Trigger Warning: The following article discusses sexual abuse and violence, which may be distressing for some readers.
The shocking case of Gisèle Pélicot, a 72-year-old French woman who endured years of drugging and sexual abuse orchestrated by her husband, has not only gripped the nation but also opened an important conversation about consent and the devastating effects of sexual abuse.
Pélicot is currently testifying in a public trial in Avignon, where 51 men, including her husband of 50 years, Dominique Pélicot, are facing charges of rape. What’s staggering is the scale of this crime — Dominique Pélicot allegedly drugged his wife for nearly a decade, allowing other men to rape her while she was unconscious, all the while recording the assaults. These events came to light after Dominique was caught filming up-skirt videos in a supermarket, leading police to the discovery of hundreds of incriminating photos and videos in his possession.
The trial has unearthed the horrific reality of 200 rapes, with most of the assaults happening in the couple’s home. In court, Gisèle explained how the world she thought she knew shattered in an instant when police revealed the truth to her in 2020. Up until then, she believed her memory lapses and physical health problems were due to a serious illness. Her life, built on five decades of marriage and three children, crumbled in the wake of this discovery. Now, as she stands in court, she is determined to shift the shame onto the accused and raise awareness for other women who might unknowingly find themselves victims of similar abuse.
The scale of the crime is staggering, with defendants ranging from local neighbours to firefighters, soldiers, and truck drivers. Many are contesting the rape charges, claiming they believed they were part of a consensual arrangement. Gisèle, however, has repeatedly asserted that she was never complicit in the assaults, never gave consent, and is now demanding that the men acknowledge the harm they’ve caused.
In addition to the emotional and psychological trauma, Gisèle revealed a deeply disturbing aftermath — she contracted four sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) as a result of the rapes. Among the accused, one man was HIV-positive and had raped her multiple times. Not once, she testified, did her husband or any of the other men express concern for her health. This revelation further highlights the lasting damage of the abuse she suffered and the callousness of those involved.
Read More: Protests Ignite Across India Over Women’s Safety After Doctor’s Shocking Rape And Murder
Editor’s Note: This article deals with sensitive and distressing content. If you or someone you know is struggling with issues of sexual abuse or violence, please reach out to local support services for help.
Catherine Pun
A Hong Kong native with Filipino-Chinese roots, Catherine infuses every part of her life with zest, whether she’s belting out karaoke tunes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her downtime often includes unwinding with Netflix and indulging in a 10-step skincare routine. As the Editorial Director of Friday Club., Catherine brings her wealth of experience from major publishing houses, where she refined her craft and even authored a book. Her sharp editorial insight makes her a dynamic force, always on the lookout for the next compelling narrative.
