Photo by Delia Giandeini
Gisèle Pelicot demands to be heard in a system that stifles the voices of sexual violence victims. Now garnering attention from the world, Pelicot, 72, has become a hero and a symbol of resistance for many women, young and old, who see themselves in her.
In Avignon, France, Pelicot insists she receives justice in “the most significant rape trial France has seen in decades.” After almost a decade of her husband, Dominique Pelicot, 71, drugging and raping her, and inviting at least 83 other men he met in an online chatroom to do the same, Ms. Pelicot demanded a public trial in a case that could have been kept private.
The remarkable bravery Pelicot has displayed on a worldwide scale has illuminated the reason why many women still choose not to speak out after experiencing sexual assault. In the three weeks since the trial began, defense lawyers have attempted to undermine her credibility, offering a contrasting narrative that Pelicot had been conscious and consenting during her assaults. They have shown “indecent and shocking” photographs of the assaults in the courtroom. Louis Bonnet, the mayor of Mazan where Pelicot lives, blew off the trial, saying in an interview that “no one was killed.” Of the 50 men accused, 35 of them have claimed they are innocent and only 14 have said they regret their actions.
“I understand why rape victims don’t press charges,” Pelicot said.
In a connected case, Jean-Pierre Maréchal, 63, has been accused of copying the methods of Mr. Pelicot to rape is wife and allowing Mr. Pelicot to rape her as well. The wife of Maréchal is not pressing charges and is not divorcing him, reasoning that it is for her children.
Rape remains the most under-reported crime, with 63% of rapes never being reported to the police, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. With a prominent history of both law enforcement and the public not believing victims, shaming them for their experiences, and the rape conviction rate being extremely low, many women find it easier and less distressing to not come forward.
Pelicot is changing the narrative as she pushes victims to seek justice, leading by example. With hundreds of people holding demonstrations outside the courtroom and gathering in cities across France, a new community has emerged to support victims of sexual violence and end the shame tied their experiences.
“It is not for myself that I am testifying, but for all the women who suffer chemical submission,” Ms. Pelicot said.
