Sexual violence - The Persistent

Violence against women and girls

France (Finally) Changes the Legal Definition of Rape to Include Consent

The definition defines consent as free and informed, specific, prior, and revocable. 'It cannot be inferred solely from the victim’s silence or lack of response.'

Giselle Pelicot, a small woman in a pink jacket and pastel striped pants, walks through Nimes. She is surrounded by men, all wearing jeans and black jackets.

France

'When Gisèle Pelicot Speaks, People Listen'

Nearly a year on from the historic landmark verdict in the Pelicot drugging and rape trial, some things really have changed.

Essays

‘I Couldn’t Stay Away’

A reenactment of the Dominique Pelicot trial takes on a life of its own, becoming as real as the trial itself.

Leora Tanenbaum, a white woman with short dark hair, square glasses, red lips and a black top, smiles into a phone camera.

Technology

'Slut-Shaming' is Evolving. This Author Set Out to Understand Why.

The author Leora Tanenbaum's new book, Sexy Selfie Nation, offers advice on how we can shut down a uniquely harmful form of gender discrimination: slut-shaming.

An illustration shows a woman's face and a pair of justice scales covered over with scraps of paper in green and orange.

Sexual violence

A Colonial-Era Law Makes Marital Rape Legal in India. The Government Refuses to Change It.

In India, arranged marriage is a common practice. Some marriages work out, of course, while in others, a family’s honor is protected, whatever the cost.

Violence against women and girls

'Deeply loving, wise, and funny'—Remembering Virginia Giuffre

Virginia Giuffre, one of the most prominent victims of the financier Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking ring, died at the age of 41.

A photograph of demonstrators holding up signs at a rally. One cardboard sign reads: Victimes on vous croit — Victims, we believe you

It's 2025. Has France’s #MeToo Moment Finally Arrived?

France has a long tradition of protecting powerful men accused of sex crimes. Feminists are mixed on whether that’s about to change.

Watercolor showing Gisele Pelicot, with short auburn hair, wearing a patterned scarf, blue striped shirt and black blazer.

Sexual violence

As the Trial of ‘Mr. Every Man’ Draws to a Close, France Debates ‘Intent’ vs. ‘Consent’

The Pelicot trial pits the notion of intent against the concept of consent. The outcome could alter how these kinds of cases are handled in the future.

An abstract depiction of a woman with her hands in front of her face. A yellow arrow points up to the right.

Sexual violence

An Epidemic of Violence

A single week of headlines shows sexual violence and domestic abuse deeply rooted in every corner of the globe. It’s appalling.