PARIS — Gisèle Pelicot is courageously sharing her harrowing story of survival in her new book, “A Hymn to Life, Shame Has to Change Sides,” after a landmark trial in 2024 that exposed the depths of her husband’s horrific actions and their broader implications on society’s struggle with sexual violence.
Pelicot recounts the shocking moment when a police officer revealed that her husband, Dominique Pelicot, had drugged her so that numerous men could assault her while he recorded these acts. It was a devastating revelation for Gisèle, who thought she knew her husband. As she stood at the police station, she learned that 53 men had participated in the crimes against her, leaving her in disbelief about the extent of her husband’s betrayal.
On November 2, 2020, Gisèle accompanied Dominique to the police station after he was caught secretly filming women in a supermarket. The police officer showed her a series of explicit images, and it took time for her to comprehend that the woman depicted was, in fact, her. “I couldn’t believe that the inert woman in the photos was me,” she reflects in her memoir, describing the shocking transformation from her vibrant self to a figure portrayed as a “rag doll.”
The case attracted national attention and sparked conversations about rape culture and the need for societal change. In December 2024, after a long and public trial, Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison, alongside 50 other men who were convicted of their crimes. The unwavering decision to pursue a public trial allowed other survivors and victims to witness the proceedings, a choice that Gisèle believes was essential for their voices to be heard.
Gisèle Pelicot, now 73, bravely stated that opting for a closed-door trial could have shielded her abusers from public accountability. “No one would know what they had done to me,” she emphasizes, highlighting the importance of transparency in such cases. Her perspective on not allowing societal shame to dictate her decisions reflects her strength and a commitment to challenging the stigmas surrounding sexual violence.
Despite the overwhelming trauma of her experience, Pelicot expresses optimism about life and the human spirit. “I am an unconditional optimist,” she states, reiterating that her life, even after such turmoil, is not solely defined by pain. She finds solace in the possibility of happiness, friendships, and love, demonstrating resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Gisèle Pelicot’s story serves as a national wake-up call regarding sexual violence and the importance of standing up for oneself and others. By sharing her narrative, she not only seeks justice but also inspires hope for many victims of similar horrors.