Feb 14 • 00:29 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

Gisèle Pelicot: "I trusted him so much that I couldn't imagine he was manipulating me"

Gisèle Pelicot reveals her horrific experience of being drugged and sexually abused by dozens of men at the command of her husband over a decade.

Gisèle Pelicot's story is one of the most disturbing sexual abuse cases in history, detailing how she was drugged and repeatedly raped by her husband, Dominique Pelicot, who not only betrayed her trust but also facilitated the abuse by inviting numerous men to their home. The nightmare began in 2011; however, it wasn't until 2020 that Pelicot fully realized the extent of her husband's manipulation when he was caught filming women secretly at a supermarket. This arrest led to the discovery of horrific evidence, including explicit videos and photos of Pelicot being abused by over 70 men, all while she was incapacitated.

The unique and tragic aspect of this case is that it highlights the deep betrayal of trust between intimate partners, where Pelicot's husband exploited her vulnerability for his own twisted desires. The trauma and psychological scars from such an experience can last a lifetime, and Pelicot's ordeal raises critical awareness around issues of consent and the insidious ways abuse can manifest, often dwelling undetected in what are perceived to be loving relationships.

In the aftermath of the revelations, Pelicot is now speaking out not only about her own harrowing experience but also to shine a light on the systemic issues of misogyny and sexual violence in society. Her story calls for a greater understanding of the signs of domestically enabled abuse and for supporting survivors in their fight for justice and healing, emphasizing the urgent need for societal change regarding perceptions of consent and accountability in intimate relationships.

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