In a recent television interview, Gisèle Pelicot, a prominent figure in the fight against violence towards women, spoke out against the shame often felt by victims of abuse. Her statement, 'It is they who should be ashamed,' encapsulates her struggle for dignity. Pelicot's own battle became a focal point during a landmark trial in France that revealed extensive evidence of abuse inflicted by her ex-husband, Dominique, who drugged her to obscure her memories of the violence. The trial, which took place in Fall 2024, uncovered the harsh realities of domestic violence, highlighting the societal tendency to silence victims.

During the trial, which garnered national attention, Gisèle Pelicot removed her sunglasses to confront the court, while the men accused of the violence often obscured their faces with lawyers and documents, embodying the stigma that surrounds these cases. Her decision to renounce anonymity and speak openly about her experiences marked a significant shift in the narrative surrounding domestic violence in France. Through her revelations, she aimed to empower other victims to reclaim their voices and challenge the societal norms that perpetuate feelings of guilt and shame.

Gisèle's poignant comments on the psychological toll of shame reflected her commitment to changing how society perceives victims of violence. She articulated that the shame attached to such experiences becomes a 'double punishment,' leading to internal suffering that hinders recovery. By sharing her journey publicly, Pelicot emphasized the importance of solidarity among victims and the need for broader awareness and systemic change in addressing violence against women, making her a leading voice in this ongoing movement in France.