Woman accuses soldiers of assault in 1472 France
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In 1472 Dijon, France, Jehanne, a pregnant woman, reported that mercenaries assaulted her.
She told local officials two men, aided by soldiers stationed to protect the city during a conflict between Burgundy and France, attempted to rape her. The soldiers had a reputation for harassing residents through extortion and violence. Historian Sarah McDougall discovered the case while researching judicial records.
The documents reveal Jehanne gave a detailed account of the attack to officials led by Jacques Borestel, who investigated and arrested several suspects. Despite initial denials, the men confessed under questioning that involved a form of torture. The case challenged expectations because Jehanne’s personal life did not fit the image of a virtuous wife. She had previously had a child with a priest and her husband had left to fight. However, local authorities continued to pursue justice for her.
Ultimately, the duke’s authority over the mercenaries prevented a conviction, and the men were released after two months in custody. McDougall’s research suggests medieval communities did not always stigmatize victims of sexual assault as often believed.
