Gisèle Pelicot’s trial reveals shocking truths about sexual violence and inspires global conversations on shame and victimhood
Avignon: In a courtroom filled with tension, Gisèle Pelicot faced the man who had betrayed her trust for years. Her husband, who drugged and raped her, sat just across from her. But Gisèle stood tall, embodying strength and dignity.
She made the brave choice to waive her anonymity, showing her face to the world during a trial that lasted four long months. It was a trial that shocked everyone, revealing the depths of her suffering and the horrors she endured.
At 72, Gisèle’s courage has sparked a global conversation about rape culture. She wants victims everywhere to know they have nothing to be ashamed of. It’s the perpetrators who should carry that burden.
Every day, women gathered outside the courthouse to support her. Gisèle told the court, “It’s not for us to have shame – it’s for them.” Her words resonated deeply, inspiring many to rethink their views on sexual violence.
On the day her husband was found guilty, Gisèle felt a mix of relief and heartbreak. Dominique Pelicot, her partner of 50 years, had recruited others to join in his abuse. The courtroom was filled with the weight of his actions as five judges delivered their verdict.
The trial revealed a chilling pattern. For nearly a decade, Dominique drugged Gisèle, using tranquilisers hidden in her food and drink. He invited strangers from an online chatroom to join in the assaults, documenting everything in a disturbing collection of videos.
Gisèle had no idea what was happening to her. She struggled with health issues, visiting doctors for answers, unaware of the true cause of her symptoms until 2020. That’s when police uncovered the horrifying truth about her husband’s actions.
When investigators showed her the evidence, Gisèle felt her world shatter. The pain of seeing her daughter react to the news of their father’s betrayal is something she’ll never forget. Together, they left their home with just a few belongings and their beloved dog.
In court, her daughter Caroline didn’t hold back. She called her father “one of the worst sexual predators of the last 20 years.” Caroline even suspected he had drugged her, too, after finding troubling photos on his computer.
As the trial progressed, Gisèle’s bravery inspired a movement. Caroline teamed up with a politician to create a drug-testing kit for pharmacies, aiming to protect others from similar fates. The French government is now backing this initiative.
Gisèle’s story has sparked protests across France, with many women rallying in support of her fight. She emphasizes that this isn’t just her battle; it’s a fight for all victims of sexual violence. “It’s not courage. It’s determination to change things,” she said.
Through it all, Gisèle has shown that shame belongs to the abusers, not the victims. Her journey is a powerful reminder that speaking out can lead to change, and that together, we can challenge the culture of silence surrounding sexual violence.