Gisèle Pelicot Breaks Her Silence: ‘What My Husband Did at Night Instead of Sleeping

Gisèle Pelicot Breaks Her Silence

Gisèle Pelicot – My husband used to do very dirty things with me at night instead of sleeping in the bed, and it’s a truth I never imagined sharing. It’s December 25, 2024, as I write this, and my story still feels raw, like a wound that refuses to heal. Sometimes, putting it into words feels like trying to hold water in my hands—impossible and fleeting, but necessary.

For nearly ten years, Dominique Pelicot pretended to be the man I loved. While I slept, he turned into someone else entirely. He would drug me without my knowledge, rendering me unconscious. It wasn’t until years later that I found out what happened during those nights. While I lay there, unable to resist or even be aware, he allowed other men into our home. Strangers. They used me as if I were an object, and Dominique recorded everything.

I didn’t suspect a thing. I trusted him completely, even though I noticed small, strange things—a feeling of grogginess in the mornings, items moved slightly out of place. But he always had explanations. “You must be imagining things,” he’d say, or “Maybe you’re just tired.” I believed him because I wanted to believe him. That’s the hardest part to admit now.

In 2020, Dominique’s secret life began to unravel. He was arrested for attempting to take inappropriate photos of women in public. During their investigation, the police found over 20,000 videos stored on his devices—evidence of the horrific things he’d been doing to me. They showed me the footage. I can’t describe the feeling of seeing myself like that, powerless and unaware. It was like watching someone else, yet it was me.

I decided to go public with my story. It wasn’t an easy choice, but I knew I couldn’t stay silent. The trial began in September 2024, and I chose to waive my right to anonymity. “The shame belongs to them, not me,” I said. It became my mantra, something I repeated to myself whenever the weight of it all felt too much to bear.

Dominique stood trial alongside fifty other men identified in the videos. On December 19, 2024, justice was finally served. Dominique received a 20-year prison sentence for aggravated rape. The other men faced sentences ranging from three to fifteen years. It wasn’t enough to erase what they did, but it was a start.

Outside the courtroom, the support was overwhelming. People came together to show solidarity, holding signs, chanting my name, and even creating murals in my honor. Someone gave me a scarf—a gift from women in Australia who wanted me to know they stood with me. That small gesture brought me to tears. It reminded me that, even in my darkest moments, I wasn’t alone.

Since the trial, I’ve focused on rebuilding my life. Some days are harder than others. There are moments when the memories hit me like a tidal wave, pulling me under. But I’m learning to swim again. I’ve started speaking out, using my story to raise awareness about the dangers of drug-facilitated sexual assault.

People have suggested turning my story into a movie or series. While I’m open to the idea, I want it to be handled with care. This isn’t just a story about pain; it’s a story about resilience, survival, and finding strength in the face of unimaginable betrayal.

Gisèle Pelicot – My husband used to do very dirty things with me at night instead of sleeping in the bed, and while that sentence may shock, it’s my truth. I’m not hiding anymore. What Dominique did was wrong, and he’s paying the price for it now. But my story isn’t just about what happened—it’s about what comes next.

As of today, December 25, 2024, I’m still here, still fighting, and still finding my way forward. My hope is that by sharing my journey, I can help others find the courage to speak out, to demand justice, and to reclaim their own stories. Because no matter how dark it gets, there’s always a way to find the light.

giselepelicot

Giselepelicot.com is the official website dedicated to Gisèle Pelicot, showcasing her journey, advocacy, and inspiring resilience. The site offers biographical details, news updates, and resources for empowerment. the website lists a contact email: [email protected].

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vivaan bhagat

Giselepelicot.com is the official website dedicated to Gisèle Pelicot, showcasing her journey, advocacy, and inspiring resilience. The site offers biographical details, news updates, and resources for empowerment. the website lists a contact email: [email protected].

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