France's new heroine
Warning: this is a very disturbing story
For weeks now, I’ve been rattling around in my head whether or not to write about this news story. But after this past week, I decided that it deserves attention from as many people who can give it, including me.
There has been a court case in southern France that has shocked and dismayed French society. At first the news coverage was mostly domestic, then it was picked up by the British media and spread like wildfire around the world.
It’s the case of a 72-year-old woman named Gisèle Pelicot. She has three children and seven grandchildren. She is also the victim of a horrific case of abuse in which her husband drugged her and invited men from the neighborhood around to sexually assault her. Dare I say, rape her. (Her husband admits what he did.)
Since early September, a court in southern France has heard the testimony of the more than 50 - FIFTY - men who raped her. Then, on Wednesday, she testified on her behalf. She addressed her now ex-husband directly, saying she had a wonderful life with him, until she realized what was happening. In her testimony on Wednesday, she said she was destroyed. But she also offered encouragement to other women: the shame lies with the rapists, not the victim.
It’s not for us to have shame, it’s for them… I want all women who have been raped to say: Madame Pelicot did it, I can too. I don't want them to be ashamed any longer.
Gisèle Pelicot
The way this case has been made public is unprecedented.
Normally, there wouldn’t be an open trial in order to protect the victim, who is entitled to anonymity. But Gisèle Pelicot didn’t want that. She wanted to be seen in the courtroom, as prosecutors laid out the case against her former husband and the dozens of men who violated her. (The French word for ‘rape’ is viol so if I say violated, it is taking from this word directly.) She also wanted the videos that were recorded of her rapes (yes, her ex-husband is a real scumbag) to be shown.
Adding to the shocking nature of the crime, the men accused of raping her — most of whom deny the charge — were supported by wives and other female relatives in court who testified on their behalf of their upstanding character! For that, I have no words.
Every day, journalists and supporters of Gisèle have shown up at the court. Every day, she would arrive, head held high. Every day, when she left the court, people would literally applaud her courage.
Since the trial began, there have been various rallies and protests around France — including at République, the center of protest in Paris, in support of Gisèle Pelicot. You see, femicide and domestic abuse are very much an issue in France today, and this case highlights that.
The court case in Avignon is only halfway through given the large number of people who are testifying. A verdict is expected in December.
Despite her shame and humiliation, the Gisèle Pelicot case has caused such a furor that she is seen as a new heroine, who can not only survive such shocking abuse, but stand up and say, ‘I’m not hiding.’
More on the Pelicot case:
My family has been following this quite closely, and you are right to get it out there to your readers.
That’s one brave woman. Horrendous to think that her husband did this to her and worse that so many men took advantage of her.