Rape Survivor Shocked by Youth Sentences

French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot has voiced profound shock and disappointment regarding the sentences given to three teenage boys convicted of raping two girls in Hampshire. The boys, aged 13 to 15 at the time of the attacks in late 2024 and early 2025, were given youth rehabilitation orders instead of custodial sentences. Judge Nicholas Rowland cited the offenders' very young ages as a reason to avoid 'criminalizing' them, despite acknowledging the seriousness of the crimes, which included the filming of assaults. One victim described the sentences as a 'slap on the wrist,' questioning the purpose of her court testimony. Pelicot, who herself endured severe abuse and whose husband was jailed for 20 years, empathized with the victims' suffering. She emphasized that rape is a crime and justice must acknowledge victims' pain and ensure accountability. The attorney general is currently reviewing the sentences, with a 28-day period to decide if they should be referred to the Court of Appeal. Pelicot also called for increased efforts from governments and tech companies to protect victims.