Gisèle Pelicot, the woman at the heart of France's most notorious rape trial, has opened up to BBC Newsnight about her traumatic experiences. For years, her husband drugged her unconscious and invited dozens of men to sexually assault her, leading to her devastating discovery of his betrayal.
In her candid interviews ahead of the release of her memoir, 'A Hymn To Life', the 73-year-old describes her profound horror when she learned the extent of her husband's crimes. Something exploded inside me, it was like a tsunami, she recounts, marking the moment she understood the scale of her husband's actions.
Pelicot speaks of the agonizing task of informing her children about their father's heinous acts, which she labels as possibly the hardest thing she has ever done. I felt crushed by horror, but I don’t feel anger, she stated, reflecting on the complex emotions she has navigated since discovering the truth.
The interview further explores her decision to break her anonymity during the legal proceedings, a move she hopes will empower other victims. Despite the pain that these revelations brought upon her family, she emphasizes the need for transparency in such cases.
As Pelicot’s ex-husband serves a 20-year sentence, she contemplates the difficulties her family has faced in the wake of the trial. It's wrong to think that such a tragedy brings a family together; it took us a long time to rebuild ourselves, she admits, pointing to the long road ahead for her and her children.
The ongoing impact of her husband’s actions continues to unfold as he faces further allegations, including the potential murder of another woman. While Pelicot seeks answers, she also affirms her commitment to healing, saying, I have always chosen to walk toward the good. Through her memoir and public presence, she stands not only as a survivor but as a beacon of hope for others who may find themselves in similar struggles.
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