French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot: I need to have answers
BBC World
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Gisèle Pelicot, the survivor at the heart of France's largest rape trial, shared her harrowing experience with BBC Newsnight. After discovering her husband, Dominique Pelicot, had drugged her and invited dozens of men to rape her over years, she described feeling "crushed by horror" but surprisingly harboring no anger. Despite the trauma, Pelicot chose to waive her legal right to anonymity, a decision she has never regretted. Her memoir, *A Hymn To Life*, reflects her journey of betrayal, healing, and resilience.
The turning point came when police showed Pelicot graphic evidence of her husband's crimes, including thousands of images and videos. Initially in denial, she faced the reality that she had been repeatedly raped by unidentified men. The moment she realized this was akin to a "tsunami," shattering her life. Informing her three children about their father's heinous acts proved one of the most challenging experiences for Pelicot, as they struggled with shock and grief.
Pelicot's story resonates globally, highlighting issues of sexual violence, justice, and human resilience. Her memoir not only documents her harrowing ordeal but also her journey toward healing and strength. As she continues to seek answers from her ex-husband, who is serving a 20-year sentence, Pelicot's voice remains a testament to survival and the indomitable spirit of those who endure unimaginable trauma.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on BBC World on 2/14/2026