In a trial that has shocked France and captured the world's attention, 50 men are being judged alongside Gisèle Pelicot's ex-husband, the majority for aggravated rape, facing sentences of up to 20 years in prison. This case, which has gained international relevance, is scheduled to have its verdict on December 20.
Gisèle Pelicot, 71, has shared her heartbreaking story of having been drugged by her husband for a decade to be sexually abused by several men contacted through the internet in France. In one of her statements during the proceedings in Avignon, in southern France, Pelicot appeared completely devastated and expressed her uncertainty about how she could rebuild and recover from everything that happened.
In Pelicot's words: "I don’t know how I am going to rebuild myself, how I am going to recover from all of this." The brave woman, despite the pain, seeks for her case to serve as an example for other rape victims, breaking the silence and shame that often surround such tragedies.
Gisèle's ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, has admitted to having administered sedatives to his wife to commit sexual abuses both himself and other men between 2011 and 2020. During the trial, Gisèle addressed her ex-husband, questioning how he could carry out such acts. The woman showed her determination for cases like hers to contribute to changing society and encourage other women to raise their voices and seek justice.