French woman Gisele Pelicot says police uncovering alleged mass rape organized by husband "saved her life"
CBSAug 23
France Mass Rape Trial: Dominique Pelicot Asks for Forgiveness
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Above: Gisele Pelicot (L) at the Avignon courthouse as she attends the trial of her former partner Dominique Pelicot in Avignon, France on September 17, 2024. Image copyright: Christophe Simon/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Dominique Pélicot, 71, the French man charged with drugging his wife and allowing dozens of men to rape her over a ten-year period, said Tuesday, "I am a rapist." He also said he "regret[s]" his actions and asked his wife, daughter, and grandchildren for forgiveness.
Referring to the other men on trial for raping his wife Gisèle, who was unaware the entire time as she was sedated, Pélicot said "they all knew" what they were doing. The 50 codefendants, including a nurse, a fireman, and a journalist, are aged 26-74.
The Spin
Narrative A
This extremely shocking case contains distressing details, but that is nothing compared to what Gisèle has and will continue to endure. For 10 years she went unaware of her abuses, and now she must re-live it all as Dominique stands trial. As the court rightly pursues justice for Dominique's victims, that's not all that should come of it. The government should expand its legal definition of rape to specifically include when a rapist uses drugs to "impair" the victim.
Narrative B
While Giséle's bravery in dealing with this legal process should certainly be applauded, it's questionable whether she should have the right to publicly reveal the identities of the accused in this trial. Some senior lawyers have suggested that such information should only be scrutinized once individuals have been convicted to avoid stigma and judgment for those who may be innocent. Anonymity is a key protection that should have been afforded in this case.
Narrative C
The case of Dominique Pélicot stretches back decades before he began abusing his wife, having been accused of raping a woman in 1991 and confessing to the rape of another in 1999. He was likely able to get away with this due to his ability to curate a positive public image while hiding his dark personal life, which likely includes his alleged offenses against other relatives. Hopefully, this case will help the world identify and deter future psychosexual predators.
