Honouring Gisèle Pelicot: A Brave Voice for Survivors

Photo: Reuters/Manon Cruz

What Happened?

In a devastating case unfolding in Avignon, France, 72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot has bravely come forward to share her story of unimaginable abuse. Over nearly a decade, Gisèle’s former husband secretly drugged her, facilitating sexual assaults by over 50 men while she was unconscious.

Her former husband was arrested in 2020, and authorities uncovered thousands of disturbing images and videos documenting these crimes. This case has horrified and mobilized communities around the world, spotlighting the dangers of gender-based violence and the traumatic realities that many survivors face when seeking justice.

Photo: Christophe Simon

Gisèle Taking Back Her Power

Since the trial began, Gisèle Pelicot has made the powerful decision not only to waive her anonymity but also to allow the videos of her abuse to be shown in court. In doing so, she has exposed the full extent of the crimes committed against her, holding her former husband and the other men involved accountable.

The right to anonymity in sexual assault cases was a hard-won battle, offering survivors critical protection and giving them the choice to reveal their identities or not. While Gisèle’s decision to waive anonymity is a testament to her bravery, every survivor—whether they choose to be publicly known or remain anonymous—demonstrates profound courage in seeking justice.

This courageous choice also highlights the systemic challenges survivors face in court, where defence tactics often aim to discredit victims. Gisèle’s stance has inspired public support worldwide, with many calling for stronger protections for survivors navigating these retraumatizing processes.

Photo: Delphine Goldsztejn

Honouring Gisèle’s Resilience and Advocacy

At BWSS, we honour Gisèle Pelicot’s extraordinary bravery in sharing her story publicly. Her courage underscores the importance of a survivor-centred approach to justice and the need for judicial reforms that protect survivors from retraumatization. Gisèle’s voice stands as a testament to the resilience of victim-survivors of gender-based violence and highlights the urgent need for change so that survivors are heard, believed, and supported within the legal system.

Standing in Solidarity with Gisèle and All Victim-Survivors

Gisèle’s story serves as a stark reminder of why we must continue to take action for a world free of gender-based violence. Her bravery calls on us to advocate for systems that prioritize survivor safety and dignity. At BWSS, we stand in solidarity with Gisèle Pelicot and all victim-survivors. Her journey strengthens our resolve to demand change and justice and to build a future where survivors are met with compassion, not disbelief. Let us honour her courage by amplifying her story and committing to systemic change.

Photo: Apaydin Alain/Abaca/Rex/Shutterstock

You are not alone.

If you or someone you love is in need of support, please contact the Battered Women Support Services Crisis Line:

Call toll-free: 1-855-687-1868
Metro Vancouver: 604-687-1867
Email: EndingViolence@bwss.org