Survivor Breaks Silence in Landmark Rape Case
Gisele Pelicot, 72, has courageously waived her right to anonymity, speaking out in a mass rape trial that has shocked France. In court for the first time, she described the unimaginable betrayal by her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot, who sedated her for nearly a decade before orchestrating rapes by dozens of men. “Shame must change sides,” she declared, hoping to inspire other survivors of sexual violence to come forward.
Decade-Long Abuse Orchestrated by “Perfect” Husband
Dominique Pelicot, who confessed to his crimes, drugged Gisele with crushed sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medication between 2011 and 2020. He then allegedly used the internet to recruit men to rape her while she was unconscious. The trial has highlighted the hidden horrors of marital abuse, leaving many in disbelief over how the seemingly “perfect man” could commit such atrocities.
Family Support and Applause for Pelicot in Court
Arriving at court, Gisele was met with applause from family and supporters, underscoring the significance of her testimony. Speaking directly to her ex-husband, she said, “I still don’t understand how this man, who was the perfect man, could destroy my life and betray me.” The trial continues to grip France, sparking wider conversations about sexual violence and justice.