Mazan, France – Gisèle Pelicot, the French woman who became a global symbol of resilience after surviving years of horrific abuse at the hands of her ex-husband and his network of accomplices, intends to visit Dominique Pelicot in prison. She hopes to confront him directly and gain insight into other allegations currently under investigation, including accusations of murder and additional sexual assaults.
Pelicot’s case captivated the world in 2024 when her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and fifty other men were convicted of aggravated rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault. The crimes took place over nearly a decade, between 2011 and 2020, with Dominique Pelicot drugging and raping his wife while also inviting dozens of men to sexually assault her while she was unconscious, often in their home. The horrific abuse came to light after police discovered evidence on his computer during an investigation into upskirting incidents. Eleven other men allegedly involved in the assaults remain unidentified.
Now, with the release of her memoir, A Hymn to Life, scheduled for February 17, Pelicot is preparing for another emotionally challenging encounter. She told the BBC, “I need to meet him to have answers… I don’t know if I will, but I need to seem at him straight in the eye.” This desire for closure stems from ongoing investigations into potentially far-reaching crimes linked to her abuser.
Dominique Pelicot is currently under investigation for the 1991 rape and murder of a woman in Paris and an attempted rape in 1999 in a suburb of the capital – cold cases that have been reopened. He also faces accusations of rape made by his daughter, Caroline Darian, following the discovery of sexualized photos on his computer, allegations he denies. He received a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for his crimes against Gisèle Pelicot.
Seeking Truth and Remorse
Pelicot expressed a hope, though fragile, that her ex-husband might finally reveal the truth about these additional allegations. In an interview with The New York Times, she stated, “I hope that when we’re face to face, he’ll be able to notify me the truth, both about his daughter and about everything else he’s now accused of.” She admitted to a lingering hope for remorse, acknowledging, “Maybe he’ll have some remorse. I’m still holding on to that hope. Maybe I’m naïve, maybe I won’t get an answer.”
The prospect of visiting Dominique Pelicot in prison is daunting. “I’ve never set foot inside a prison,” she told the BBC. “I imagine he must be in solitary confinement. I imagine he has changed a lot.” Despite these uncertainties, she feels compelled to seek answers, believing that he may be able to provide information he withheld during the trial in Avignon.
Dominque Pelicot (top right) and Gisele Pelicot sit in court during the sentencing of 51 men on sexual assault charges. (AFP: Benoit Peyrucq)
Impact on Family and Finding New Love
Pelicot’s memoir also delves into the profound impact the abuse and subsequent trial had on her family, particularly her relationship with her daughter. “Suffering doesn’t necessarily bring a family together,” she told The New York Times. “You need to understand, it’s like an explosion that blows everything away. We endeavor to recover, each in our own way and in our own time.” She noted that she and her daughter now speak “almost every day,” and her daughter seeks recognition as a victim in the case.
Remarkably, Pelicot has found love again in the four years since her ex-husband’s arrest. She told The New York Times, “I had never imagined falling in love again, or even that it could be something I would want.”
A Message of Resilience
With the release of A Hymn to Life, Pelicot hopes to offer a message of strength and resilience to other survivors of sexual violence. She told The New York Times that she wants readers to find her story “useful.” “When you hear the facts of the trial, you see this woman and wonder, how is she still standing?” she said. “I needed to convey that I’m still a woman who stands tall.”
Gisèle Pelicot’s courage in speaking out has earned her international recognition, including features in the BBC’s 100 Women list and the Financial Times’ list of the twenty-five most influential women of the year. She was also appointed a knight of the Legion of Honour on Bastille Day (July 14, 2025).
As Pelicot prepares to potentially confront her abuser, the legal proceedings surrounding the additional allegations continue. The outcome of these investigations and whether Dominique Pelicot will offer any answers remain to be seen. The case continues to highlight the long-lasting trauma of sexual violence and the importance of supporting survivors as they navigate the path to healing and justice.
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