Gisele Pelicot Testifies in Avignon Mass Rape Trial

Gisele Pelicot, a 72-year-old woman, has become a symbol of the fight against sexual violence in France after her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and 50 other men were put on trial for drugging and raping her over a decade. In a public trial in Avignon, she shared her harrowing experiences, emphasizing the importance of shifting the shame from victims to perpetrators and encouraging other victims to come forward. Dominique Pelicot admitted to inviting strangers to their home to assault his wife, documenting the crimes meticulously. Despite her ordeal, Gisele expressed her determination to change societal attitudes toward sexual violence, rejecting shame and advocating for public awareness. The trial has provoked widespread protests and debate about male violence in French society. Gisele's story highlights the betrayal and destruction she feels, yet she remains resolute in her mission to inspire societal change and support other victims.