“In this room I am treated like an alcoholic,” says wife of Dominique Pelicot, accused of abuse

The trial of Dominique Pelicot, accused of drugging and sexually abusing his wife for almost a decade, is underway in France, causing a great deal of media attention and social unrest. The courageous 72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot has been the centre of attention in this process, where she has had to face not only her attacker, but also the accusations of complicity that have emerged during the trial.

The voice of the victim

Gisèle Pelicot, visibly shaken, expressed her indignation at the treatment she received during the hearings. “Since I entered this room, I have been treated as an alcoholic. It takes a lot of patience to listen to what I hear,” he declared, discrediting the doubts raised by some of the defendants’ lawyers. Her testimony has been forceful, calling her abusers “degenerates” and emphasizing the suffering she has endured over the years.

Lawyer’s reactions

Gisèle’s lawyer, Stéphane Babonneau, commented on the challenge the trial has presented, stating: “It was a challenge, but a challenge as important as what was at stake. In a rape trial, questions are asked, often difficult, which can give the impression of a three-part civil trial.”

Words by Dominique Pelicot

For the first time in nearly four years, Dominique Pelicot has addressed his ex-wife in court, admitting that he betrayed her by drugging her with sleeping pills and offering her to more than 50 men to abuse her. His statement has added a new level of horror to an already harrowing case.

Recognition of another accused

During the trial, another of the accused, Jean-Pierre Maréchal, who imitated Pelicot’s methods, also pleaded guilty to being a “rapist” and a “criminal”, expressing remorse for the abuses committed against his own wife. This admission has generated more anguish and has shown the seriousness of the situation.

Concerns about artwork

Videos recorded by Dominique Pelicot of his helpless wife are expected to be broadcast today, September 18. Gisèle has requested that material not be broadcast in her presence and has asked that her children not be present during the screening. “It’s a moment I don’t want my children to experience,” she added, stressing the emotional impact these images could have on her family.

The trial remains a scene of pain and struggle for justice, as Gisèle Pelicot seeks to regain her voice and dignity in a process that has highlighted the urgent need to address gender-based violence and protect victims. Public attention on the case continues to grow, with hopes of justice being served and those responsible for these heinous crimes being punished.