A man who repeatedly drugged his then wife, Gisele Pelicot, and invited strangers to rape her while she was unconscious has been jailed for 20 years.
Dominique Pelicot also kept thousands of photos and videos of the abuse.
In total, 51 men have been handed sentences, totalling more than 400 years.
Speaking outside court, Ms Pelicot said the trial was a very difficult ordeal, adding that she was inspired to fight for justice by her grandchildren:
“They are the future and for them I wanted to really put this struggle forward,” she said
Dublin Rape Crisis Centre has welcomed the verdict in the case this morning.
Rachel Morrogh, Chief Executive of Dublin Rape Crisis Centre said:
“We salute Gisèle Pelicot as the exceptional person she is and celebrate not just her victory, but the enduring legacy it will have beyond the courtroom.
“The case sickened people around the globe and opened up conversations about the meaning of consent, the staggering number of willing participants and the dehumanisation of victims. It also underscored fears amongst women that nowhere is safe, even your own home.”
Ms Morrogh also highlighted the fact that a woman is more likely to experience sexual violence in her lifetime than she is of being diagnosed with cancer.
“The cases of Gisèle Pelicot in France and Nikita Hand in Ireland have united women and men in their determination to eliminate sexual violence. Now we have the challenge to sustain momentum to achieve this goal, and Dublin Rape Crisis Centre will continue to push, advocate and agitate for this that. Until then, we stand in solidarity with all victims and survivors and are here for any person who has been affected by sexual violence of any form.”
