Dominique Pelicot, a Frenchman, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging his wife, Gisele Pelicot, and allowing dozens of men to sexually assault her over the course of a decade. Gisele, now 72, was subjected to these horrific acts after her husband secretly laced her food with tranquilizers, rendering her unconscious. Over a span of nine years, from 2011 to 2020, Gisele was raped at least 92 times by 72 different men, with Pelicot organizing and facilitating the assaults.
The court found Dominique Pelicot guilty, alongside 50 other men who participated in the abuse. These men, who were involved in the systematic rape of Gisele, received sentences ranging from 3 to 15 years in prison. Of the 51 defendants, 49 were convicted of rape, 1 was found guilty of sexual assault, and another was convicted of drugging and raping Gisele with the assistance of her husband. The conviction of all involved underscores the scale of the crime and the complicity of the men in the assaults.
Frenchman Sentenced to 20 Years for Drugging Wife and Enabling Decade-Long Sexual Abuse by Dozens
After the verdicts were delivered by the court in Avignon, Gisele spoke publicly about her ordeal, calling it a “very difficult” experience. She expressed her support for other victims of sexual violence, emphasizing that their stories often go untold. Gisele also voiced her deep gratitude to those who supported her throughout the trial, acknowledging that their encouragement helped her endure the emotional and physical challenges she faced during the hearings.
In her statement, Gisele reflected on the importance of her fight for justice, stating that she was motivated by a desire to set an example for her grandchildren and to raise awareness for all victims of sexual violence. She expressed optimism for a future where respect, mutual understanding, and harmony could prevail between men and women. Gisele’s decision to pursue justice despite the immense pain it caused her was a testament to her resilience and determination to bring attention to the broader issue of sexual violence.
This case has drawn significant attention both in France and internationally, highlighting the extreme abuse that Gisele Pelicot suffered at the hands of her husband and the other men involved. The guilty verdicts bring some measure of justice, but Gisele’s emotional plea for solidarity with other victims underscores the ongoing need for societal change and greater support for those affected by sexual violence.
