Gisèle Pelicot took the stand on Wednesday at the mass rape trial of her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, in southern France.
The 72-year-old woman at the center of a trial involving 50 men accused of raping her after being drugged by her then-husband had a powerful message for survivors of sexual assault: “It’s not for us to have shame—it’s for them.”
Pelicot’s plea for justice emphasizes the importance of solidarity among women who have experienced similar trauma “I want all women who have been raped to say: Madame Pelicot did it, I can too. I don’t want them to be ashamed any longer,” she stated, according to the BBC, advocating for an open trial and the presentation of videos documenting the alleged assaults.
This courtroom sketch by Valentin Pasquier shows Gisèle Pelicot, left, and her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot, right, during his trial, at the Avignon courthouse, in Avignon, southern France, on Sept. 17, 2024.
Valentin Pasquier/AP Photo
Gisèle Speaks Under Oath
Taking the stand, Gisèle expressed her pain and confusion over the actions of her former husband, Dominique Pelicot, who is accused of orchestrating the assaults.
“I wish I could still call him Dominique,” she said. “We lived together for 50 years, I was a happy, fulfilled woman,” she said, her voice breaking. She recalled their life together fondly, noting, “You were a caring, attentive husband, and I never doubted you. We shared laughter and tears.”
How the Rapes Happened
Dominique Pelicot has confessed to recruiting men online to rape Gisèle while she was under the influence of heavy sedatives and sleeping pills he secretly administered for a decade.
While most of the alleged rapes were filmed, the majority of the defendants deny the charges, arguing they did not realize she was unconscious and therefore could not have “known” they were raping her.
Gisele Pelicot, center left, leaves the Avignon courthouse with her sons, David, left, Florian, center background and her lawyer Stephane Babonneau, right, in Avignon, southern France, on Sept. 5, 2024. On Wednesday, addressing her former husband as Mr. Pelicot, Gisèle said: “I wish I could still call him Dominique. We lived together for 50 years, I was a happy, fulfilled woman. ”
Lewis Joly/AP Photo
In her testimony, Gisèle emphasized the need for societal change regarding the perception of rape and its victims. “A rapist is not just someone you meet in a dark car park late at night,” she stated, highlighting that perpetrators can often be found within families or among friends. Her words challenge the stereotypes surrounding sexual violence, urging society to rethink its approach to such grave matters.
Inspiring Others to Speak Out
As Gisèle continues to share her story, she hopes to inspire other survivors to come forward and seek justice. “I am trying to understand how this man, who to me was perfect, could have done this,” she reflected, revealing the deep emotional turmoil she faces. Her testimony not only serves as a personal reckoning, but also as a powerful testament to the collective struggle against sexual violence.
Gisèle’s narrative has sparked conversations about the systemic failures that allow such abuse to occur and persist. She is determined to hold those responsible accountable and to seek validation for her suffering, stating, “I have never regretted asking for the trial to be open: I did it because what happened to me can never happen again.” Her resolve resonates with many, as she stands firm in her fight against the injustice that has haunted her life.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
