71-Year-Old French Woman Testifies Against Husband in Shocking Sexual Abuse Case

On Thursday, Gisele Pelicot, a 71-year-old French woman, took the stand in Avignon to testify against her husband, Dominique Pelicot, who is also 71. Dominique Pelicot has admitted to sexually abusing Gisele from 2011 to 2020.

His admission includes drugging her and orchestrating numerous assaults by inviting strangers into their home, which he filmed for his own records. The severity of the case has shocked the public, making Gisele’s testimony crucial for bringing attention to this horrific crime.

The discovery of Dominique Pelicot’s crimes came about unexpectedly. After he was caught filming women’s skirts in a supermarket, police examined his digital devices. They uncovered extensive evidence, including explicit videos and thousands of images that documented over 200 instances of rape involving more than 90 men. Initially, Gisele Pelicot was unaware of the full extent of her husband’s actions but broke down upon seeing the evidence presented by the police.

Gisele has chosen to publicly disclose her identity and her husband’s in hopes of raising awareness about sexual abuse. Despite the trauma, she believes that making the trial public could help prevent similar abuses from happening to others. She has expressed her desire for her testimony to contribute to broader societal change and support for other victims of sexual violence.

The legal proceedings are ongoing, with Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men facing charges of aggravated rape. The accused range in age from 26 to 74 and face potential sentences of up to 20 years in prison. Some defendants have claimed they were coerced into participating in the abuse, but Gisele Pelicot firmly disputes these claims, arguing that the perpetrators acted with full knowledge of their actions.

Dominique Pelicot is expected to testify next week, and the trial is scheduled to last until December 20. Gisele Pelicot, who has left her husband and filed for divorce, has spoken about the profound impact of the case on her life. Despite the emotional toll, she remains determined to seek justice and highlight the need for greater vigilance against sexual abuse.