Gisele Pelicot hailed as hero after ex-husband jailed in France mass rape trial
China DailyFrenchwoman Gisele Pelicot, the victim of an alleged mass rape orchestrated by her then-husband Dominique Pelicot at their home in the southern French town of Mazan, reacts as she leaves after the verdict in the trial for Dominique Pelicot and 50 co-accused, at the courthouse in Avignon, France, December 19, 2024. AVIGNON, France - French woman Gisele Pelicot, who survived a decade of sexual abuse by her husband and dozens of strangers, said she hoped her ordeal would help make the world a better place for "women and men alike" as her former spouse was jailed for 20 years. "The court has proved Gisele Pelicot right: shame can change sides," said women's rights group the Fondation des Femmes. The lowest sentence -- three years with two suspended -- was given to Joseph C., 69, the only accused to be charged with "groping" Gisele Pelicot and not rape.