Giselle Polico: We Are in a Joint Fight Against the Culture of Sexual Assault

Giselle Polico, a woman who became a symbol of the fight against sexual violence after the conviction of 51 men, including her ex-husband, for sexual assault and drug use, supported victims whose cases do not attract public attention on Thursday, December 20. According to the Associated Press, Ms. Polico, in her first remarks following the sentencing of 3 to 20 years for the accused, stated, "I want you to know that we are in a joint fight against the culture of sexual assault." These sentences were issued on Thursday in a court in Avignon, southern France, where Dominique Polico, Giselle's ex-husband, was sentenced to 20 years in prison. According to the report, Dominique Polico drugged Giselle and assaulted her along with others. Meanwhile, only one defendant was acquitted of the charge of assault but was convicted on drug-related charges. The 72-year-old Giselle Polico thanked her supporters in her post-verdict remarks, saying, "Your messages deeply affected me and gave me the strength to survive the long court sessions." She described the trial as a "very hard test" and referred to victims whose voices are not heard, stating, "Many stories remain untold. But this fight continues." The trial of this shocking case, which prompted a national reaction in France, drew significant attention to the systemic issues of sexual violence. At the time of the verdict, a group of activists against sexual violence gathered outside the court, calling for more serious action to support victims.