The Dominique Pelicot case, one of France's most shocking examples of systemic sexual abuse, has ignited a global conversation about the necessity of justice and strong institutions to protect women from violence. For nearly a decade, Pelicot orchestrated unspeakable acts against his wife, Gisèle, highlighting the gaps in systems meant to prevent such crimes. This case underscores the importance of collaborative global efforts to combat gender-based violence, a critical component of sustainable development and the United Nations’ Global Goals.
A decade of abuse: Facts and figures
From 2011 to 2020, Dominique Pelicot drugged his wife with sedatives, facilitating her assault by at least 72 men, 51 of whom were convicted in December 2024. Among them, Pelicot received the maximum 20-year sentence. Gisèle’s decision to waive her anonymity was pivotal in bringing attention to this atrocity, which uncovered over thousands of videos and images documenting the crimes.
Globally, the statistics on violence against women are staggering. According to UN Women, 35% of women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence, while only 40% of these incidents are reported. In Europe, studies estimate that one in three women has faced violence in their lifetime. The Pelicot case shines a light on these grim realities, emphasising the urgency of addressing gender inequality and strengthening justice systems worldwide.
The role of non-governmental organisations
Numerous NGOs are championing the cause of women’s rights, providing survivor support, and advocating for systemic reforms:
Equality Now: A global organisation that uses legal advocacy to end gender-based violence and discrimination. Their campaigns focus on closing legal loopholes that allow perpetrators to escape accountability.
Women for Women International: Operating in conflict zones, this organisation empowers women by offering social, economic, and legal support. Their programmes help survivors rebuild their lives through education and vocational training.
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network): The largest anti-sexual violence organisation in the United States, providing a 24/7 hotline, resources for survivors, and public education campaigns.
FEMNET (African Women’s Development and Communication Network): A Pan-African feminist network promoting women’s rights and tackling issues such as gender-based violence and access to justice.
La Maison des Femmes (France): Based in Saint-Denis, this centre offers comprehensive support to survivors of domestic and sexual violence, from legal aid to psychological counselling.
Technological solutions and global impact
To combat the growing threat of online grooming and exploitation, NGOs and tech companies are collaborating on innovative solutions. For example, the International Justice Mission (IJM) leverages AI to identify patterns of abuse online and facilitate faster interventions. In 2023, their efforts led to the rescue of over 4,000 victims of online sexual exploitation globally.
Meanwhile, organisations like Plan International have launched educational campaigns in schools to teach young people about consent and healthy relationships. These initiatives aim to address gender-based violence at its roots by shifting cultural norms.
Future-oriented reforms and collaboration
The Pelicot case has inspired calls for policy changes and expanded international cooperation. France’s recent legislation has introduced stricter controls on sedatives and harsher penalties for sharing exploitative content. Additionally, efforts to standardise victim support services across the European Union are gaining momentum.
On a global scale, platforms like the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) foster collaboration between governments, NGOs, and activists. The Commission’s annual forum serves as a crucial space for sharing best practices and driving collective action towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
The Dominique Pelicot case serves as a stark reminder of the systemic failures that enable violence against women. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach involving governments, NGOs, and civil society. To achieve the UN Global Goals, particularly those focused on gender equality and justice, the international community must prioritise survivor-centred reforms, technological advancements, and education campaigns.
The Global Society has a vital role to play, ensuring that institutions worldwide remain accountable and equipped to address gender-based violence. By amplifying the voices of survivors and investing in preventive measures, society can build a safer, more equitable future for all.
To explore how you can contribute to the fight against gender-based violence, visit: