Gisèle Pelicot’s dignity during the rape trial of her husband has inspired not just worldwide support but renewed debate about the law

A message in large capital letters has been posted on a wall opposite the entrance to the Avignon courthouse. “Gisèle, women thank you,” it reads. On it others have scribbled: “All our respect” and “Spain, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Brazil, England … are with you.”

At demonstrations, protesters have held signs reading: “Je suis Gisèle” in support of the woman who has become a national and international feminist figurehead.