Victim's Story Rewrites Medieval History

In the winter of 1472, Jehanne, a pregnant woman in Dijon, France, was brutally attacked. Historian Sara McDougall's book, "Justice for Jehanne," reconstructs this event and its aftermath, challenging modern assumptions about women's lives and agency in the Middle Ages. The investigation into the assault uncovers a surprising snapshot of medieval justice.

Jehanne, a traveler to Dijon, reported her age as about 32 and claimed to be married. Despite the turbulent times of war between Burgundy and France, she reported the assault by two local men and mercenaries to investigator Jaques Borestel. Her testimony, given the day after the attack, provided details about her assailants.

Contrary to the belief that medieval rape survivors were shamed and ostracized, Jehanne readily shared her ordeal. This challenged the notion that such victims often ended up in sex work, a theory McDougall investigated. Neighbors supported Jehanne, not blaming her for the attack, which led to the apprehension of the assailants.

Despite confessions extracted under duress, the mercenaries were eventually freed due to ducal intervention, under the guise of clerical jurisdiction. An investigation into Jehanne's own past revealed she had a complex personal history, including a past relationship with a priest. However, this did not prevent prosecutors from pursuing the attackers.

McDougall's research highlights Jehanne's resilience and agency. The case suggests that medieval society, while punitive, did not necessarily engage in widespread victim blaming. Women could make accusations, be believed, and receive support, even within a challenging historical context.