Gisèle Pélicot: The French Woman Who Defied Her Abusive Husband

The narrative of Gisèle Pélicot is a potent reminder of the need for more responsibility, awareness, and education in the fight against sexual assault.

By Rochi Kale Oct 14, 2024 5 min read

» Featured Image Source: Reuters

Many people have been horrified by the thought of Dr Moumita Debnath’s rape and murder ever since the news of the tragedy came. The case has provoked feelings of rage, despair, and helplessness that many have found difficult to overcome, particularly women. Even in one’s own house, it might be challenging to find comfort or tranquillity due to the pervasive nature of these feelings. It is an upsetting reminder that the need for protection and rest can be brutally suppressed.

Although this case received international attention, it wasn’t the only horrifying episode of abuse. The terrible truth that “no country is safe for women” was brought to light once more by the revelation of another horrifying rape case from France. One such tale that would make anyone tremble is the Gisèle Pélicot case. Most people are aware of this case and the trial that revealed a very alarming case of sexual assault and domestic abuse.

Gisèle Pélicot, a French woman, was shown photos by the police of herself being raped by numerous men, including her husband—now her ex-husband. But how did we get here?

It all started when Dominique Pélicot, Gisèle’s spouse, was discovered secretly filming and photographing random women at a supermarket. Police were notified of the women’s concerns, and they launched an investigation that resulted in a computer search of Dominique. They were horrified to find a folder full of almost 4,000 pictures and videos that showed Gisèle being raped and mistreated while she was asleep. The police told Gisèle about this sad revelation, which opened her eyes to a reality she had never known existed. For more than a decade, Dominique had drugged, raped, and set up other men to rape her while recording the acts on camera.

When the couple first moved to Mazan in 2011, they were living close to Paris, which is when the abuse began. Dominique drugged his wife regularly, let other people join in the abuse, and captured the horrible deeds on camera. Gisèle was badly sedated, thus she didn’t remember these attacks. But her physical condition was suffering; her frequent illness worried her kids. Her gynaecologist and neurologist were consulted, but none of them were able to determine the reason for her problems. Rather, she was told to just take it easy and rest more.

Gisèle endured a terrifying ordeal when she had to watch the pictures and recordings of her attacks as police enforcement watched. She now has to appear in court with her perpetrators. What was once a close-knit family has been destroyed by this shocking revelation.

When the couple’s daughter, Caroline Darian (her pen name), was called to the police station, things became much more difficult. Up until then, Caroline had tried her hardest to help her mother get through this difficult period. However, the trip to the station only made matters worse. Caroline discovered that her father had secretly taken pictures of her. After seeing explicit pictures of herself, she assumes she was drugged when the images were shot, and she believes that her father sexually abused her. Although Caroline is adamant and stated, “I realised right away I was drugged in that photo.”

Caroline later wrote a book about the entire incident, titled Et j’ai cessé de t’appeler papa: Quand la soumission chimique frappe une famille (translated as And I Stopped Calling You Dad: When Chemical Submission Strikes a Family.

The trial

Dominique Pélicot and his alleged accomplices were put on trial in September of 2024. Gisèle Pélicot bravely chose to have the trial conducted in public, giving up her right to privacy in order for the full depth of her suffering to be made public. Her courage has served as a call to action, bringing attention to the issue of women’s rights and increased safety.

Gisèle Pélicot portrait — Source: *Coust Laurent/ABACA/Shutterstock)*

It is alleged that more than fifty men took part in the abuse. Several defendants stated that they thought Dominique’s approval was sufficient permission to have sex. Some claimed they were tricked into believing she had granted permission. These defences highlight the pervasive inequality and misogyny that exist even in so-called industrialised countries.

» Also read: Gendered Infrastructures And Violence Against Women

Gisèle has endured this agonising procedure with dignity and composure, although acknowledged in court that she felt humiliated ever since entering this courtroom. “I’ve heard it everything and I’m treated like an alcoholic and accomplice.” But feminist organisations have rallied around France in favour of Gisèle because of her bravery, holding demonstrations with placards that read “Support to Gisèle,” “Shame Must Change Sides,” and “Victims, We Believe You.”

Gisèle Pélicot’s case: a disturbing cultural reflection

Consideration of the larger problems of gender discrimination and sexual assault has been spurred by the case. They met at the age of 19 and tied the knot at 21. Even though they had difficulties, Gisèle used to think that their marriage was solid and happy. During her testimony, she stated, “I thought we were a strong couple; we had everything we needed to be happy.” They were even viewed as the perfect pair by friends and relatives because they had three kids and seven grandchildren.

Gisèle’s husband’s betrayal of her serves as a devastating reminder of the risks many women endure in their own homes, which are supposed to be places of safety.

The “bear or man” debate

This horrific case brings us to one of the most popular online debates this year, “bear or man.” It’s a question for women: who would you choose to be by yourself in the woods if you had to? A bear or a man? Many women selected bears. Men believed that women were ignorant and foolish to choose bears because they would kill them, which caused a major controversy on social media. They failed to realise that women chose bears because they preferred to pass away quietly rather than endure humiliation, sexual abuse, and death.

All they want is to eschew the unnecessary steps. The bear won’t degrade you, won’t record abuse and post it online, won’t take pleasure in the humiliation, and won’t give you drugs so that other men can come and rape you.

Gisèle Pélicot: a call for hope and action

The narrative of Gisèle Pélicot is a potent reminder of the need for more responsibility, awareness, and education in the fight against sexual assault. Although frightening, this case is not unique. Similar abuses are suffered in silence by countless women. Society needs to address the underlying roots of misogyny, inequality, and a lack of accountability if it is to break this pattern.

» Also read: Breaking Invisible Barriers: The Intersection Of Disability And Gender-Based Violence

Gisèle has transformed into a symbol of bravery and resilience in the face of this unfathomable suffering, giving hope that by speaking up, justice can be sought for countless other victims in addition to herself.

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