Gisele Pelicot, a French woman, has recounted a harrowing tale of abuse orchestrated by her own husband. For a decade, she was drugged and raped by dozens of strangers, a horrific ordeal that she was unaware of until the police stumbled upon evidence on her husband’s computer.
Pelicot, now 71, described the shock and devastation she experienced when investigators revealed the extent of the abuse. Years of strange memory lapses and health issues, which she attributed to Alzheimer’s, were actually a result of the drugs administered to her by her husband.
The trial, which began in Avignon, France, has captivated the nation. Pelicot’s husband, Dominique Pelicot, admitted to the crimes and has been charged with orchestrating the abuse. Fifty-one individuals, including strangers, are accused of participating in the rapes.
Pelicot’s testimony has been both heartbreaking and courageous. She described the “barbaric” scenes of abuse, the feeling of being treated like a “rag doll,” and the profound betrayal she experienced at the hands of her husband. Despite the trauma, she has shown remarkable strength and resilience.
The case has raised important questions about sexual assault, consent, and the dangers of so-called “chemical submission.” Pelicot is using her experience to advocate for victims of sexual assault and to raise awareness about the dangers of this type of crime.
Image- AP
