Gisèle Pelicot's ex-husband drugged her for nearly a decade, inviting dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious. Her courageous decision to waive anonymity and hold a public trial in France in 2024 shocked the world, exposed 'chemical submission,' and led to the conviction of all accused men. Now a survivor and advocate, she shares her story of resilience and fights for systemic change.
Gisèle Pelicot, now living a peaceful life on Île de Ré with a new partner, Jean-Loup, faced unimaginable horror for nearly a decade. Her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, secretly drugged her with sedatives and muscle relaxants, then invited dozens of men he met online to rape her in their home. Gisèle, unaware, attributed her memory lapses and health issues to other causes, even as her husband meticulously redressed her after each assault. The truth emerged in 2020 when Dominique was arrested for upskirting. Gisèle's courageous decision to waive her anonymity and insist on a public trial in 2024 brought worldwide attention to 'chemical submission' and drug-facilitated abuse. The trial, where all 50 accused men were found guilty, served as a crucial platform to expose not only the crimes but also the justice system's treatment of rape survivors and society's culture of denial. Gisèle received an outpouring of support, including thousands of letters from women sharing their own stories. Her memoir, 'A Hymn to Life,' explores her resilience, drawing on a childhood marked by tragedy. She now advocates for changing laws and mentalities, emphasizing education, respect, and kindness. While her recovery from the physical and psychological trauma is ongoing—including overcoming memory issues and STDs—she remains determined to seek answers from Dominique in prison and to ensure that the roughly 20 unidentified perpetrators are eventually brought to justice. Her case has sparked vital public discussion in France, pushing for clearer consent laws and a collective awakening against sexual violence. Gisèle, a true survivor, now dedicates her life to empowering others and ensuring such atrocities are never trivialized again.
