CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses sexual assault.
In a courtroom in Avignon, southern France, 72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot took the stand on Wednesday to deliver her testimony at the midway point of her shocking rape trial that has gripped the world.
Pelicot, who has become a symbol of resilience for many, spoke with unwavering determination as she addressed the court. “I’ve decided not to be ashamed, I’ve done nothing wrong,” she said.
“It’s true that I hear lots of women, and men, who say you’re very brave. I say it’s not bravery, it’s will and determination to change society,” she declared.
The disturbing details of the case have left many stunned. Over a nine-year period from 2011 to 2020, Pelicot’s then-husband, Dominique Pelicot, allegedly drugged her food and drink with sleeping tablets and anti-anxiety medication.
He then invited men to their home in the village of Mazan, Provence, to rape her while she laid unconscious. The trial involves 50 men who were part of this insidious operation and her ex-husband.
In her testimony, Pelicot spoke of the betrayal she felt from the man she had trusted completely. “I wouldn’t have remained with him for 50 years if he had acted like a violent man,” she said.
“We got through lots of challenges, illness, work, money. He wasn’t a brute. He never hit me … This case for me is total incomprehension. I would never have imagined a man could do this.”
Pelicot shared some insight on her life with her ex-husband while the alleged abuse was happening. “Often when there’s a football match on TV, I’d let him watch it alone. He brought my ice-cream to bed, where I was, my favourite flavour, raspberry. And I thought, ‘How lucky I am, he’s a love’ …
“I never felt my heart flutter, I didn’t feel anything, I must have gone under very quickly. I would wake up with my pyjamas on. The mornings I must have been more tired than usual, but I walk a lot and thought it was that.”
At least 35 of the accused men have denied the charges, despite video footage. Some have claimed they believed Pelicot was pretending to be asleep or that her husband’s consent was sufficient.
Addressing this, Pelicot stated firmly, “For me, they are rapists, and they will always be rapists. Rape is rape… Today, I feel responsible for nothing. Above all, I am a victim“.
Pelicot spoke about shame and its misplacement. “When one is assaulted, there is a sense of shame, but that shame does not belong to us — it belongs to them,” she asserted.
The trial is expected to run until December 20. Pelicot’s choice to publicly testify and face her alleged attackers has inspired thousands across France to demonstrate in solidarity.
In light of the Pelicot case, France’s current legislation on sexual assault and rape has come under intense scrutiny. The country’s laws, which do not centre on the concept of consent, have been a point of contention for years.
As it stands, French law defines rape as an act of sexual penetration committed through “violence, coercion, threat or surprise”.
The glaring omission of consent in this definition has led to calls for reform from victims’ advocates and legal experts alike.
The courage of Pelicot in sharing her story publicly may well be the tipping point needed to bring about meaningful change in how French law approaches sexual violence cases.
As Pelicot herself put it, “I want all female victims of sexual assault — not just those who have been drugged — to feel empowered to say: ‘Mrs. Pelicot did it, and so can we’.”
Pelicot’s lawyer, Stéphane Babonneau, echoed her impact in court and relayed the message he wanted to reiterate.
“There is never an obligation to have sexual relations with your husband. Do you understand that? Gisèle Pelicot says you have no responsibility whatsoever in the fact that your husband decided to do what he did,” he said.
Lead image: Getty Images
Help is available.
- If you require immediate assistance, please call 000.
- If you’d like to speak to someone about sexual violence, please call the 1800 Respect hotline on 1800 737 732 or chat online.
- Under 25? You can reach Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800 or chat online.
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