For the second time in the trial against her ex-husband and 50 other men, Pelicot was given the floor by the judge in the case, who wondered what the 71-year-old’s impression was of the trial so far.
– I am a woman who is completely broken, said Pelicot, before adding that she wanted to change how society deals with sexual abuse.
According to the indictment, she was drugged and raped around 200 times. The ex-husband was responsible for most, while strangers who were recruited via the internet were responsible for more than 90 of the rapes.
Become an icon
The case has attracted attention and started a debate about violence perpetrated by men in French society.
Pelicot has become a feminist icon in France since the trial began in the southern city of Avignon early last month. She insisted that the case be open to the public. At the same time, she encouraged other women who have been subjected to sexual abuse to come forward with their case.
– I want all women who have been raped to say to themselves that “Pelicot did it, therefore we can do it too”.
Talked to the ex-husband
Pelicot, who is approaching 72, further said that she was not sure if she has long enough left in her life to heal from what she has been through.
When she had the floor, she also chose to speak to her ex-husband, who wasn’t looking at her, asking him to explain what made him drug her for almost a decade to rape her and invite other men to do the same .
– I am trying to understand how my husband, who was the perfect man, became like this. How could you let these people into our house knowing that I disliked swinging. To me, this is an indescribable betrayal.
Filmed the abuse
The man filmed large parts of the abuse against his ex-wife and saved it on a hard drive in a folder labeled “abuse”. He was accidentally exposed when he was caught filming up women’s skirts at a local grocery store.
The trial is scheduled to end on December 20. The man has admitted that he drugged his then wife and invited other men to rape her in the years between 2011 and 2020.
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Interview with Pelicot: A Voice Against Sexual Abuse in the Ongoing Trial
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Pelicot. You recently spoke in court regarding your experiences and impressions of the trial against your ex-husband and the other men involved. Can you share with us what you said during that testimony?
Pelicot: Thank you for having me. In court, I expressed how deeply broken I feel as a result of my experiences. It’s incredibly painful to relive those moments, but I believe it’s crucial to speak out. I want to raise awareness about how society treats sexual abuse victims, and it’s time for change.
Editor: You mentioned wanting to change societal perspectives on sexual abuse. What specific changes do you believe are necessary?
Pelicot: There needs to be a better understanding of the trauma that survivors go through. I think we need to foster an environment where survivors feel safe to come forward and share their stories without fear of judgment or disbelief. Education on consent and supporting victims through their healing processes are also essential.
Editor: The indictment against your ex-husband indicates that you were drugged and raped approximately 200 times. How do you cope with this overwhelming situation while participating in the trial?
Pelicot: It’s a daily struggle, and I often feel overwhelmed. I’ve leaned on support from friends, family, and professional counselors. Speaking in court is a part of my healing, but it’s also a reminder of the pain. I’m focusing on my goal of advocating for others who have faced similar situations.
Editor: What message do you hope to convey to others who may find themselves in a similar situation?
Pelicot: I want them to know that they are not alone and that it’s never too late to speak out. Healing is possible, and there are people who care and can help. I urge everyone to advocate for change and support survivors, so we can all work towards a society that holds abusers accountable and prioritizes victim support.
Editor: Thank you, Pelicot, for sharing your powerful insights. Your courage in the face of such adversity is truly inspiring.
Pelicot: Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I hope it makes a difference.
Pelicot: I believe we need to foster an environment where survivors feel safe and supported to share their stories. This includes improving legal protections for victims, ensuring that law enforcement is trained to handle such cases with sensitivity, and promoting education around consent and respect. We must challenge the stigma that often surrounds victims of sexual abuse, making it clear that they are not to blame for the crimes committed against them.
Editor: You have become a symbol of strength and resilience in France during this trial. What message do you hope to convey to other survivors of abuse through your testimony?
Pelicot: I want every woman who has experienced sexual violence to know that they are not alone. If I can stand up and share my story, then they can too. My message is simple: “Pelicot did it, therefore we can do it too.” It’s vital for survivors to find their voices, as it not only empowers them but also helps to create a community of support and understanding.
Editor: Your testimony about your ex-husband’s actions and betrayal has been particularly impactful. Can you talk about the emotional aspects of confronting him during the trial?
Pelicot: It’s a devastating experience. When I confronted him, I asked how he could allow such cruelty to happen, especially knowing how much it hurt me. It’s an indescribable betrayal that has left me questioning everything about our life together. I want answers, and I want him to understand the magnitude of his actions—not just to me, but to all women.
Editor: The trial has sparked significant conversations about violence against women in French society. What do you think this moment means for the broader movement against sexual violence?
Pelicot: This trial is a pivotal moment in our fight against sexual violence. It’s encouraging to see so many people engaging in this conversation. We need to continue to shed light on these issues, as it is only through awareness and education that we can begin to change our culture. We cannot afford to remain silent anymore.
Editor: Thank you, Pelicot, for sharing your powerful insights and for your courageous stand in the face of such adversity. Your testimony resonates deeply at a time when many are seeking justice and compassion for survivors of sexual violence.
Pelicot: Thank you for having me. I hope that my story can help others find the strength to speak out and push for the changes we desperately need.
