The French woman who was allegedly drugged by her now ex-husband and raped by dozens of men while unconscious is becoming a symbol of the nation’s fight against sexual violence

Nearly every day since 2 September, Gisèle Pelicot has been at the centre of a trial in which 51 men are accused of raping her, including the man she was married to for 50 years. As her story has rippled through France since the trial began, she has become a symbol of courage and resilience.

Dominique Pelicot is accused of drugging his wife and enlisting men to rape her in a case that has horrified France. Gisèle Pelicot hopes a public trial will raise awareness about sexual abuse.