Dominique Pelicot, the man who drugged his wife and orchestrated her repeated sexual abuse, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after a trial that exposed one of France’s most shocking cases of systemic sexual violence.
The trial involved 51 men aged between 26 and 74, all found guilty of participating in or facilitating the abuse over nearly a decade.
Giselle Pelicot: The Horrifying Scheme
Gisèle Pelicot’s nightmare began within the walls of what she believed was a loving marriage. Dominique laced her food and drinks with drugs, rendering her unconscious. He then invited strangers he recruited online to their home in Mazan, Provence, to sexually assault her. Unbeknownst to Gisèle, he recorded these horrific acts, amassing over 20,000 photos and videos cataloged under grotesque titles like “abuse” and “her rapists.”
The abuse continued unchecked until September 2020, when Dominique’s deviant behavior outside the home led to his arrest. A supermarket security guard caught him filming up women’s skirts, triggering a police investigation. The search of his home uncovered his extensive library of abuse, exposing years of unimaginable cruelty.
The Trial and Verdict
The trial, held in Avignon, spanned over three months and was marked by disturbing revelations and national outrage.
Gisèle, now 72, waived her right to anonymity to ensure the truth was heard. She demanded that all evidence, including Dominique’s recordings, be presented in open court.
Dominique was convicted on all charges and given the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. He will spend at least two-thirds of his sentence behind bars before being eligible for parole.
His co-defendants received prison terms ranging from three to 15 years.
Only one man was acquitted of rape but convicted of aggravated sexual assault.
The sentencing drew mixed reactions, with praise for Gisèle’s bravery and criticism of lenient sentences for some defendants.
Throughout the trial, Gisèle expressed gratitude to her supporters and solidarity with other victims whose stories remain untold.
Her decision to pursue justice was also driven by her desire to set an example for her grandchildren and inspire societal change.
By Vivian K.