Gisèle Pelicot addressed reporters outside the courthouse in Avignon, France, after the sentencing of her ex-husband, Dominique, for drugging and raping her over several years, along with 50 other men involved in the case.
Justice Served: Gisèle Pelicot Reflects Post Rape Trial Verdict
Justice Served: Gisèle Pelicot Reflects Post Rape Trial Verdict
In the wake of her ex-husband's conviction, Gisèle Pelicot speaks on the verdict and the importance of public trials.
In her heartfelt comments, Ms. Pelicot emphasized her commitment to ensuring a better future for her children and the unrecognized victims of sexual violence.
Gisèle Pelicot delivered a poignant statement outside the Avignon courthouse on Thursday following the sentencing of her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and 50 accomplices involved in a significant rape trial. The verdict saw Mr. Pelicot receive a 20-year prison sentence for admitting to drugging and abusing Gisèle over a near-decade-long ordeal.
“I think first of my three children: David, Caroline, and Florian. I think also about my grandchildren — because they are the future, and it’s also for them that I waged this battle,” Ms. Pelicot expressed, highlighting her family's involvement in her journey.
She did not shy away from acknowledging the far-reaching consequences of this tragedy, stating, “I also think of all the other families affected by this tragedy. Lastly, I think of the victims, unrecognized, whose stories often remain hidden. I want you to know that we share the same struggle.”
With immense gratitude, Ms. Pelicot expressed appreciation for the support she received throughout the trial, stating, “Your testimony moved me, and I drew from it the strength to come back every day to face the long days of this trial.”
Reflecting on her decision to make the trial public starting September 2, she said, “I wanted for society to be able to take up the debates that followed. I have never regretted that decision.” Her confidence shines through as she adds, “I am now confident in our ability to collectively seize a future in which everyone, women and men, can live in harmony, respect, and mutual understanding.”
Gisèle Pelicot delivered a poignant statement outside the Avignon courthouse on Thursday following the sentencing of her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and 50 accomplices involved in a significant rape trial. The verdict saw Mr. Pelicot receive a 20-year prison sentence for admitting to drugging and abusing Gisèle over a near-decade-long ordeal.
“I think first of my three children: David, Caroline, and Florian. I think also about my grandchildren — because they are the future, and it’s also for them that I waged this battle,” Ms. Pelicot expressed, highlighting her family's involvement in her journey.
She did not shy away from acknowledging the far-reaching consequences of this tragedy, stating, “I also think of all the other families affected by this tragedy. Lastly, I think of the victims, unrecognized, whose stories often remain hidden. I want you to know that we share the same struggle.”
With immense gratitude, Ms. Pelicot expressed appreciation for the support she received throughout the trial, stating, “Your testimony moved me, and I drew from it the strength to come back every day to face the long days of this trial.”
Reflecting on her decision to make the trial public starting September 2, she said, “I wanted for society to be able to take up the debates that followed. I have never regretted that decision.” Her confidence shines through as she adds, “I am now confident in our ability to collectively seize a future in which everyone, women and men, can live in harmony, respect, and mutual understanding.”
