Gisèle Pelicot, the French woman at the center of a high-profile trial involving her former husband, took the stand on Wednesday to share her powerful testimony regarding the horrific allegations of drugging and rape against her. Speaking from the court in Avignon, Pelicot emphasized the need for victims of sexual assault to reclaim their dignity and reject feelings of shame.
“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,” Pelicot declared, advocating for transparency in her case and requesting the inclusion of the alleged crime videos as evidence.
At 72 years old, Pelicot’s testimony follows weeks of court proceedings in which relatives of the defendants described them as “exceptional men.” She countered this narrative, stating, “A rapist is not just someone you meet in a dark car park late at night. He can also be found in the family, among friends.”
Expressing her emotional toll, Pelicot said she feels “completely destroyed” but is determined to rebuild herself. Reflecting on her 50-year marriage, she described her deep feelings of betrayal after filing for divorce in 2021.
Dominique, her ex-husband, admitted to recruiting men online to assault her while she was heavily sedated between 2010 and 2020. Pelicot recounted her confusion over how the man she loved could perpetrate such an act: “I am trying to understand how this man, who to me was perfect, could have done this.”
Throughout her testimony, Pelicot highlighted the lessons learned and the societal changes needed to prevent similar incidents. “I’ve been told I’m brave. This isn’t being brave, it’s having the will and determination to change society,” she stated, underscoring her commitment to supporting other survivors.
The trial, which has drawn significant attention across France, seeks to address not only the specific allegations against Dominique and the other defendants but also broader systemic issues related to sexual violence and consent. Following her courageous decision to waive her right to anonymity and demand an open trial, Pelicot has transformed into a symbol of resilience within the feminist movement.
Public demonstrations in support of Pelicot are occurring nationwide, with advocates calling for reforms in rape laws to emphasize the importance of consent. The trial began on September 2 and continues with daily hearings, expected to conclude with a verdict in late December.
