We stand with Gisèle Pélicot

[Content warning – sexual violence]

Many of you will have seen details of the horrifying rape case happening in France, where a man has admitted to drugging and raping his wife, and inviting numerous male strangers to rape his unconscious wife, over the course of a decade.

We stand in full support of brave survivor Gisèle Pélicot and her family as they fight for justice. She has shown extraordinary dignity and immense courage in speaking out.

As the media reports heavily on the trial, the topic of sexual consent is being discussed frequently online. Without consent, any kind of sexual activity is sexual violence. Sex without consent is rape. We want to reiterate that:

• Being married to someone does not mean they consent to sexual activity with you.
• Being unconscious means that you do not have the ability to consent
• If someone wants to take part in any kind of sexual activity with another person they must get consent every single time.

The awful details of this case are distressing, and will undoubtedly be having an impact on victims and survivors of sexual violence and abuse, but also on women and girls more broadly. It serves as a stark reminder of how widespread sexual violence is in our society.

For those impacted by what you have read – we are here for you.

We will continue to challenge the institutions, systems, and social norms that have created the conditions where men feel entitled to rape and sexually abuse women and girls.