Gisèle Pelicot, a French woman, recounts her harrowing experience of being drugged and raped by her husband for a decade, prompting her to share her story to prevent victim-blaming.
Gisèle Pelicot, a French woman who until recently lived anonymously in southern France, has come forward to share her shocking story of a decade-long abuse at the hands of her husband, Dominique Pelicot. Over this ten-year period, Gisèle was systematically drugged and raped, with Dominique inviting strangers into their home to participate in the assaults while filming the atrocities. In December 2024, Dominique was sentenced to 20 years in prison, the maximum penalty for rape in France, but Gisèle's desire to speak out comes from a place of empowerment, as she aims to ensure that the stigma of shame does not fall on the victims of such heinous acts.
The turning point of Gisèle's life came on November 2, 2020, when she was unexpectedly summoned to a police station, where her interrogation began with unusual questions about her life with Dominique. Until that moment, she had viewed Dominique as a caring husband, having shared 50 years of their lives together. The shocking nature of the inquiry and subsequent revelations led her to realize the depth of her suffering and the manipulation she had endured.
Gisèle's courageous decision to publicly share her experience highlights the often-hidden stories of domestic abuse and the chilling realities many women face. By coming forward, she aims to shed light on the dark side of marital relationships that can lead to severe violations of trust and personal safety, empowering other victims to speak out and seek justice in similar situations.
