Drugged and raped, Gisele Pelicot has become France's symbol of fight against sexual violence
CTV
Gisele Pelicot, the woman who was allegedly drugged by her now ex-husband over the course of a decade so that she could be raped by dozens of men while unconscious, is becoming a symbol of France's fight against sexual violence.
CONTENT WARNING: This story contains descriptions of alleged sexual violence. Reader discretion is advised.
PARIS, France -- Gisèle Pélicot, the woman who was allegedly drugged by her now ex-husband over the course of a decade so that she could be raped by dozens of men while unconscious, is becoming a symbol of France's fight against sexual violence.
There have been calls for public gatherings on Saturday all over the country, including at Place de la Republique in Paris, in support for the 71-year-old and all rape victims in France.
Since the beginning of the extraordinary trial on Sept. 2, during which Pélicot will face 51 of her alleged rapists, she has been praised for her courage and composure.
First, there was her decision to keep the trial public — after the court had initially suggested that it be held behind closed doors. She allowed journalists to publish her full name, and the court to exhibit explicit videos recorded by her husband showing men engaging in sexual intercourses with her naked, inert body
She has said her decisions were in solidarity with other women who go unrecognized as victims of sexual crimes.
On Sept. 5, she spoke about her ordeal in public for the first time since police officers, four years ago, called her in to tell her the unthinkable. With a calm and clear voice, she detailed the horror of discovering that her former spouse had been sedating her and invited at least 72 strangers into their house in Provence to have sex with her.
