Incredible video shows women lining up to applaud Gisèle Pelicot for her bravery after historic trial

Trigger Warning: This article contains details of sexual assault and substance abuse that may be distressing to readers.

After enduring years of unimaginable pain from being sexually assaulted by her ex-husband and several strangers, 72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot, an incredible French woman, was finally served justice. Her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, along with 50 other men, were ultimately convicted for repeatedly drugging and sexually assaulting her. The court's judgment brought a long-awaited sense of justice to Gisèle's harrowing experience. Following the historic trial, Gisèle was greeted by a huge crowd of supporters, especially women, who applauded her for her incredible bravery as she walked out of the French court, reported The Guardian.

The moment the courageous survivor stepped out, the crowd went crazy, offering their support and congratulating her for the remarkable victory. Hundreds of people, who had traveled from across France and Europe, were seen chanting, "Thank you, Gisèle," per the outlet. Few others stood there, holding up placards that read, "Shame has changed sides," honoring Gisèle for her courage to come out in public and talk about the horrifying ordeal openly. Gisèle left the court with her head held high and amongst people who were moved by her determination, fighting spirit and resilience. 

For the unversed, Gisèle's former husband, Dominique, received a 20-year prison sentence for aggravated rape. For almost 10 years (2011 to 2020), Gisèle was drugged her without her knowledge by Dominique, who then sexually abused her and even invited dozens of strangers into their home to rape her while she was comatose. Owing to the immense substance abuse, she suffered memory loss and frequent blackouts. Dominique was eventually caught after a security guard reported him to the police for taking photographs under women's skirts in a supermarket. While he pleaded guilty in court, most of his 50 co-defendants denied the charges against them, reports BBC. 

"I am a rapist. I acknowledge all the facts [of the case] in their entirety," Dominique had earlier stated in the court, per the outlet. Additionally, he was also found guilty of clicking indecent pictures of his daughter, Caroline and his daughters-in-law, Aurore and Celine. Dominique had also asked for his family's forgiveness, but his gruesome actions were way beyond forgiveness. Notably, while Dominique was given the maximum prison sentence, the imprisonment handed down to the other men was significantly lesser than what had been asked for by prosecutors.

In her first reaction after the court's verdict, Gisèle thanked all her supporters and said, "When I opened the doors to this trial on September 2, I wanted society to be able to take part in this debate. I have never regretted that decision." Acknowledging the support from women across the globe during the court trial, she said, "I hear lots of women and men who say you're very brave. I say it's not bravery, it's will and determination to change society." Gisèle admitted that the four-month legal battle against her former husband was a "difficult ordeal," but she drew strength from her family, particularly the younger generation. "I want you to know we share the same fight," she said, referring to women who suffered in silence and were "not recognized."