News EditorFrench Woman Takes Stand in Landmark Rape Trial, Urges Women to Speak Out
Gisèle Pelicot, a 71-year-old French woman, has taken the stand in a high-profile trial in Avignon, where her former husband is being tried for drugging and raping her over a decade-long period. He allegedly invited dozens of other men to rape her while she was unconscious, a crime Pelicot hopes will raise awareness and shift the shame from victims to perpetrators.
Pelicot addressed the court, saying, “I want all women who have been raped to say: ‘Madame Pelicot did it, I can too.’ I don’t want them to be ashamed any longer.” Her remarks come after her decision to waive her right to anonymity and request an open trial. She also supported showing videos of the alleged rapes in court, a move aimed at shifting societal shame back onto the accused.
The trial has attracted widespread attention in France, with feminist groups rallying behind Pelicot. Marches in support of her were held in over a dozen cities last weekend. Pelicot has become a symbol of resilience, especially for her decision to confront the horrors she endured publicly.
Her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, admitted to drugging her with sedatives and recruiting men online to rape her while she was unconscious between 2010 and 2020. The defense argues that many of the men were unaware she was unconscious and, therefore, did not believe they were committing rape. Most of the rapes were filmed, and Dominique admitted he used methods such as slipping drugs into her meals to incapacitate her.
Reflecting on her relationship, Pelicot said, “I wish I could still call him Dominique. We lived together for 50 years, I was a happy, fulfilled woman.” She expressed confusion and deep pain over his betrayal, stating, “I am trying to understand how this man, who to me was perfect, could have done this.”
Pelicot has been present in court most days since the trial began on 2 September but has only taken the stand twice. In her previous testimony, she expressed her outrage at suggestions from the defense that she had consented to participate in a sex game. “These men came to rape me. What I am hearing in this courtroom is so degrading, so humiliating,” she said.
As the trial continues, Pelicot remains determined. “This isn’t being brave, it’s having the will and determination to change society,” she told the court. “What happened to me can never happen again.”
The trial is expected to conclude in late December, with a verdict anticipated shortly after.
