“We trivialize the rape,” Pelicot told the Avignon court that has been hearing her case since September. “It is very difficult to convey to me that the rape of Madame Pelicot is practically a simile,” she continued.
“They must take responsibility for their actions. they forced. Rape is rape.” It is time for us to “look at this macho and patriarchal society” and the perception of rape must change. According to the 71-year-old, she will not forgive her husband.
A shocking accidental discovery
The huge trial in Avignon shocked many people around the world. Pelicot is said to have been regularly drugged and raped by her husband Dominique for over ten years. He also admitted in court that he offered his unknowing wife to many other men for rape on internet forums. Photos and videos were also taken. In addition to Dominique Pelicot, there are 50 other defendants on trial. Gisele Pelicot herself admits that she was raped around 200 times between 2011 and 2020.
APA/AFP/Benoit Peyrucq
Court drawing of Dominique Pelicot: It is said that he raped his wife many times and offered her body to strangers
She was always unconscious and didn’t notice anything happening. Even when she started having frequent neurological and stomach problems, Dominique Pelicot didn’t stop. He was finally arrested entirely due to a chance discovery: he first came to the fore because he filmed women up their skirts in a shopping mall.
During a subsequent search, investigators found nearly 4,000 photos and videos of the rapes. Among other things, there was an “abuse” folder on his hard drive with many subfolders labeled with other men’s fake names. Several of the videos of Pelicot being abused while he was unconscious were shown in court during the trial.
Defendants try to shift the blame
Most of the crimes were committed by the husband at the time; One person has
The men gave different statements: Some said they were under the control of others or that they might have been drugged themselves. Most of them said they didn’t know they were being raped or didn’t mean to be raped, or they blamed their husbands for manipulating allegations.
The claim was also made that Pelicot did not pretend to be asleep. One defendant even described himself as a ”victim” of Dominique Pelicot and emphasized that he acted out of fear of him. But he said again and again: “You knew everything.”
Children also complain to their father
The couple’s two sons and daughter appear as co-plaintiffs. The daughter left the courtroom crying during one day of the trial when the presiding judge pointed out that the accused had saved photographs of her sleeping and unclothed. Similar pictures were also found of the daughters-in-law. The daughter also accuses her father of drugging and abusing her.
Reuters/Manon Cruz
Sons David and Florian Pelicot support their mother in court
The two sons asked the court on Monday to severely punish their father. They wouldn’t forgive him either;
empowering victims
Gisele Pelicot has become a feminist icon in France. She told the court she objected to a closed trial to which she was entitled under French law. But she wanted to confront the unknown victims of rape committed under the influence of knock detectors and other narcotics.
They are not the ones to be ashamed of. She herself lost “ten years of my life that I will never get back” because of her husband’s crimes. Pelicot also declined to remain anonymous.
On Tuesday this was the third time the 71-year-old gave evidence in court. The co-prosecutor’s pleas will begin on Wednesday, and the prosecution is expected to present its case next week. The verdict and sentencing are scheduled for around December 20.
What are the key legal implications arising from the Pelicot case for victims of sexual violence?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert on the Pelicot Case
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today. The trial of Gisele Pelicot has made headlines globally, primarily due to its shocking allegations. Can you summarize for our readers why this case has captured so much attention?
Legal Expert (LE): Certainly. The Pelicot case is unprecedented in its scale and the egregious nature of the allegations. Gisele Pelicot has accused her husband, Dominique Pelicot, of drugging and raping her daily for over a decade. Furthermore, he reportedly offered her to other men for sexual assault, documenting these horrific acts. This case isn’t just about a single perpetrator; there are 50 other defendants involved, raising significant questions about complicity and societal attitudes towards sexual violence.
TNE: It’s unimaginable that someone could endure this kind of abuse for so long. How did the discovery of Dominique Pelicot’s actions come to light?
LE: The case began to unravel due to a seemingly unrelated incident where Dominique was caught filming women up their skirts in a shopping mall. Upon searching his devices, investigators uncovered nearly 4,000 images and videos of Gisele being assaulted, including organized folders labeled with other men’s names. This stark collection reveals systematic abuse and sheds light on the alarming normalization of such behavior within certain circles.
TNE: Gisele has made powerful statements in court, emphasizing that “rape is rape” and that it’s time to address the societal structures that enable such violence. What do you think needs to change in our collective perception of rape and consent?
LE: Gisele’s words resonate deeply. There’s a troubling tendency to trivialize sexual violence, often influenced by patriarchal viewpoints. We must shift the narrative to recognize that consent is paramount. Education about consent and sexual ethics is critical, as is challenging the cultural norms that enable victim-blaming. It’s vital that society holds abusers accountable and reframes the discourse around victim experiences to empower survivors.
TNE: The trial has also seen defendants attempting to shift blame or claim ignorance regarding their actions. How common is this tactic in sexual assault cases?
LE: Unfortunately, it’s quite common. In many sexual assault cases, perpetrators may attempt to deflect responsibility, claiming manipulation or ignorance of the circumstances. This tactic can be deeply damaging, as it places the burden of guilt on the victim rather than the abuser. In Gisele’s case, it’s important that the courts carefully dissect these claims to ensure justice is served and that survivors are not further victimized by the judicial process.
TNE: Gisele expressed a strong sentiment of not being able to forgive her husband. How might this prolonged trauma affect her moving forward?
LE: The psychological and emotional impacts of such trauma can be profound and long-lasting. Survivors like Gisele often grapple with trust issues, PTSD, and feelings of isolation. It’s crucial for her to receive ongoing therapeutic support to navigate these challenges. The road to recovery can be complex, but with the right resources, survivors can reclaim their narratives and find paths toward healing.
TNE: This trial could potentially be a catalyst for broader societal discussions on consent and the justice system’s response to sexual violence. How might this impact legal reforms in the future?
LE: I believe that cases like Gisele’s can illuminate systemic failures in addressing sexual violence and may advocate for reforms in legislation. Greater awareness can push lawmakers to consider how laws can be strengthened, resources allocated to support survivors, and practices improved in handling such cases. Ultimately, society must prioritize change to create a safer environment for all individuals, free from violence and abuse.
TNE: Thank you for this enlightening discussion. The Pelicot case is indeed a stark reminder of the urgent need for societal change regarding the issues of consent and sexual violence.
LE: Thank you for bringing attention to this important matter. It’s crucial that we continue to engage in these conversations and advocate for justice and change.