After two months of reliving a decade of abuse in a public trial in France with the world watching on, Gisèle Pélicot has testified in court for the first time.
Her husband, Dominque Pélicot, has pleaded guilty to repeatedly drugging and raping Gisèle over the course of nearly 10 years, from 2011-2020. An investigation found Dominique would also invite strangers into their home to rape her.
There were at least 200 instances of rape committed by 50 accused men, who Dominique allegedly recruited online, the Avignon court has heard.
At the request of Gisèle, in order to “raise awareness” and to ensure “events like these never happen again”, the rape trial has been public since it began on September 2.
Now, for the first time, Gisèle has had the opportunity to testify.
Gisèle said she has been left “totally destroyed” by the “unbelievably violent” decade-long abuse, allegedly perpetrated by her husband and dozens of strange men. But the 72-year-old refuses to be ashamed.
“I’ve decided not to be ashamed,” Gisèle told the court. “I’ve done nothing wrong.
“They (the alleged rapists) are the ones who must be ashamed.”
Gisèle’s story has made international headlines, the world shocked by the horrific rape allegations. Many are in awe of her courage and bravery to make the trial public and to speak out against rape and sexual assault in this way.
But in her testimony, Gisèle said it’s not courage: rather, “determination to change things”.
“I’m not expressing hatred or hate, but I am determined that things change in this society,” Gisèle said.
“This is not just my battle, but that of all rape victims.”
Evidence from the trial includes videos of Gisèle being raped by the accused men. Despite this evidence, at least 35 of the accused have denied the rape charges. Instead, they claim Dominque Pélicot deceived them into thinking Gisèle was faking sleep and participating in a sexual game, and that she gave consent.
While a few defendants have admitted to the rape charges – with a handful expressing their apologies to Gisèle – she said their apologies are “inaudible”.
“By apologising, they are trying to excuse themselves,” Gisèle said.
France’s current laws on rape and sexual assault are not consent-based: in 2023, France blocked a European directive to amend laws to centre consent and to change the definition of rape to be consent-based.
According to a 2023 survey from IFOP, a polling institute in France, nine in ten French people support the EU directive to change the laws to a consent-based approach. President Emmanuel Marcon, as well as Justice Minister Didier Migaud, have expressed their support for legislation amendments to follow the EU directive, which Sweden, Germany, Spain, the UK and other European countries have enacted in their own national laws.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.
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