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Survivor of France's largest rape case speaks at Hay Festival
Gisèle Pelicot, the central figure in France's most extensive rape trial, has shared her journey of healing and rediscovered trust in an emotional appearance at the Hay Festival. The 73-year-old, whose ex-husband orchestrated years of abuse, revealed she has fallen in love again after decades of trauma.
The ordeal and the trial
Pelicot's former spouse, Dominique Pelicot, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for drugging and raping her over a span of more than 10 years. The case took a darker turn when it emerged that he had also allowed at least 70 other men into their home to assault her. The trial, one of the most high-profile in French legal history, brought widespread attention to issues of sexual violence and victim-blaming.
Waiving anonymity to spark global conversation
In a bold move, Pelicot chose to forgo her right to anonymity as a sexual abuse survivor, a decision that ignited discussions about feminism and victim advocacy worldwide. Speaking at the Hay Festival on Saturday, she emphasized that shame should rest solely with the perpetrators, not the victims.
Rediscovering trust and love
Pelicot admitted she never imagined she could trust a man again, let alone fall in love, especially at her age. However, she recounted how she met her partner, Jean-Loup Agopian, a man also aged 73, and how their connection defied her expectations.
"It's something that I didn't think, I didn't think that could happen, especially at my age. I didn't really want to [fall in love], but life decided otherwise. We met, our trajectories crossed at one moment and I met this young man of 73. You see, you can fall in love at any age, it happened to me, it can happen to you, I'm convinced of it."
Gisèle Pelicot
She reflected on her newfound ability to trust, describing it as a testament to the possibility of healing and hope, even after profound trauma.
Advocacy and optimism for the future
During her interview with Baroness Helena Kennedy, Pelicot was asked about her outlook on the future of women's safety. She responded with cautious optimism, expressing her belief in the potential for harmony between men and women through early education.
"I feel very serene about it because I think that we can all live together in harmony, men and women, and I think it's a question of educating our children very young. Maybe I'm a very optimistic person by nature, but I would hope that the human being will go towards peace and love."
Gisèle Pelicot
Daughter's advocacy work praised
Pelicot also highlighted the efforts of her daughter, Caroline Darian, who founded the advocacy group M'endors pas. The organization campaigns against drug-facilitated sexual assault and provides support to victims of chemical submission. During the festival, Pelicot invited her daughter on stage, sharing a moment of pride and gratitude.
"I'm really happy to share this exceptional moment with my daughter Caroline, who really fought on this. I'm really proud to be her mummy."
Gisèle Pelicot
The audience responded with a standing ovation, underscoring the impact of Pelicot's story and her daughter's advocacy.
