In her memoir, "A Hymn to Life: Shame has to Change Sides," Gisèle Pelicot reveals the harrowing story of her marriage to Dominique Pelicot, who systematically abused her over a decade. Following a particularly perverse incident, her husband's depravity only intensified, leading to numerous rapes that were compounded by the involvement of other men, whom he invited into their home while Gisèle lay drugged. The book showcases her journey from victimhood to empowerment as she breaks her silence about the abuse she suffered.

Dominique Pelicot was ultimately sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found guilty of drugging and raping Gisèle, a damning verdict that acknowledged a pattern of violence and exploitation that lasted over ten years. A total of 50 other men, drawn into this heinous web through an online chatroom that connected them to Pelicot, received an aggregate of 400 years in prison, underscoring the severe nature of the crimes committed against her. This shocking revelation paints a grim picture of the systemic issues surrounding sexual abuse and complicity in such acts.

The public response to Gisèle’s story has been one of support and outrage. Her courage in sharing the intimate details of her ordeal has opened up dialogues about the silent suffering many endure in abusive relationships. As more victims gain confidence to share their experiences, the hope is that it fosters a broader societal change, challenging the culture of shame and silence surrounding domestic violence and sexual abuse.