Gisele Pelicot hailed after mass rape trial

French woman Gisele Pelicot, who survived a decade of sexual abuse by her husband and dozens of strangers, said she hoped her ordeal would help make the world a better place for "women and men alike" as her former spouse was jailed for 20 years.

- Agencies

AVIGNON, FRANCE:

Her public stand against her abusers was hailed by supporters outside the courtroom and by world leaders.

Dominique Pelicot, who had confessed to the crimes, was found guilty by the court in the southern city of Avignon after a trial that lasted more than three months.

Details of the offences shocked France and the world, drawing fresh attention to male violence, and turning his former wife Gisele into a feminist hero.

Such extensive media coverage was made possible by Gisele's decision to waive her anonymity and opt for a public trial.