Gisèle Pelicot, a 72-year-old French woman, has become a symbol of resilience and courage after enduring a harrowing ordeal. For nearly a decade, her husband, Dominique Pelicot, drugged her and allowed dozens of men to sexually assault her while she was unconscious. This horrific abuse came to light in 2020 when Dominique was arrested for attempting to upskirt women, leading to the discovery of over 20,000 videos documenting the assaults on Gisèle.


In September 2024, the trial of Dominique and 50 other men identified from the videos began in Avignon, France. Gisèle waived her right to anonymity and insisted on a public trial to raise awareness about drug-facilitated sexual assault and encourage other victims to speak out. She stated, “The shame is theirs,” referring to the men accused of raping her.
On December 19, 2024, Dominique was convicted of aggravated rape and sentenced to 20 years in prison. The other defendants received sentences ranging from 3 to 15 years. Gisèle expressed her gratitude towards those who supported her throughout the trial, saying, “I now have faith in our capacity collectively to take hold of a future in which everybody, women, men, can live together in harmony, in respect and mutual understanding.”
Following the trial, Gisèle has been focusing on her recovery and rebuilding her life. She has received widespread public support, with people gathering outside the courthouse to applaud her bravery. Her image has appeared in street art, and supportive slogans have been pasted on walls around the courthouse. An Australian organization, the Australian Older Women’s Network, sent Gisèle a scarf made by Aboriginal women, which she wore frequently to court, symbolizing the global solidarity she has inspired.
Gisèle’s courage has sparked a national conversation in France about sexual violence and consent. Her decision to make her trial public has been seen as a catalyst for change, challenging societal norms and encouraging other victims to come forward. She has been included on the BBC’s 2024 list of 100 women and cited as one of the 25 most influential women of 2024 by the Financial Times.
As of December 25, 2024, Gisèle continues to advocate for victims’ rights and legal reforms to better protect individuals from sexual violence. She has expressed a desire to use her experience to bring about positive change in society’s approach to such crimes. Her resilience and determination serve as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of speaking out against injustice and supporting survivors in their healing journeys.
Gisèle’s case has also led to increased calls to France’s new helpline for victims who believe they have been drugged and assaulted, indicating a broader impact on society’s awareness and response to such issues.
In summary, Gisèle Pelicot is currently focusing on her personal recovery while actively engaging in advocacy work to support other victims of sexual violence. Her bravery has not only brought her perpetrators to justice but has also ignited a movement towards greater awareness and change in addressing sexual violence in France and beyond.