Feb 22 • 15:30 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil Folha (PT)

Gisèle Pelicot's Book Challenges the Logic of Shame Surrounding Sexual Crimes

Gisèle Pelicot's book discusses her traumatic experiences of prolonged sexual assault by her former husband and the subsequent legal proceedings against him and other perpetrators.

Gisèle Pelicot's book sheds light on her harrowing experiences of being a victim of long-term sexual abuse at the hands of her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot. For nearly ten years, Dominique drugged her, allowing others to sexually assault her while she was incapacitated. This horrifying case not only shocked France but captured attention worldwide, raising crucial questions about victims' rights, societal responses to sexual crimes, and the stigma surrounding such abuses.

The brutal nature of the crimes committed against Pelicot was highlighted during the legal proceedings that ensued, where Dominique and over 50 other men were charged after an investigation was initiated following Dominique's arrest for filming upskirt videos of women in a supermarket. This incident, while humiliating, acted as a catalyst that uncovered a more extensive and sinister network of abuse, shining a light on the complexities involved in prosecuting sexual violence and the cultural barriers many victims face in seeking justice.

Pelicot's narrative challenges the societal stigma and culture of shame that often silences victims of sexual violence. By sharing her story, Pelicot aims to empower other survivors and foster dialogue around the issues of consent, respect, and the urgent need for systemic change in how such crimes are perceived and prosecuted, ultimately advocating for justice and recognition for all victims of sexual assault.

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