The Giséle Pelicot trial highlights the high amount of unseen domestic abuse in French society, according to a French author and journalist.
Madame Pelicot spoke in court for the first time yesterday to give testimony against her former husband, who stands accused of drugging and raping her in their home for over a decade.
The 72-year-old grandmother has said she waived her right to anonymity in the case to give hope and strength to other victims."
I wanted that all victims of rape could say, 'well if Giséle can do it, we can do it',” said Ms Pelicot. "Because when we are raped, we have shame, but it's not for us to be ashamed, but for those men.”
On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, French author and journalist Nabila Ramdani said the case is “absolutely horrific”.
“The case in fact highlights the amount of unseen domestic abuse in France - and indeed the way rape is often ignored as a serious crime,” she said.
“Ms Pelicot covered that yesterday, saying she saw herself as someone who might be able to bring about societal change by highlighting what is really going on.
“One of the standout lines that she said was: ‘I need to speak loud and clear. I'm not expressing my anger or my hatred, but my will and my determination to change this society.’”
Mass rape
The trial has heard that Ms Pelicot’s husband Dominique Pelicot sedated and raped her over a nine-year period.
He has admitted to crushing sleeping pills and other anti-anxiety drugs into Ms Pelicot’s food and drink between 2011 to 2020, and then recruiting other men online to come to the house and rape her.
Currently, 50 men are on trial for the rape of Ms Pelicot, including her ex-husband. A few have admitted to the charges but say they did not intend to commit rape.
Most, however, deny the allegations, with some claiming they believed they were part of a game between the couple.
The two divorced over the summer. Their children have been seen in court supporting their mother throughout the trial.
The trial is expected to continue on towards the end of the year.
If you have been impacted by domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the National 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline on 1800 77 8888.
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