Gisèle Pelicot speaks on justice and gender-based violence

Gisèle Pelicot, the French woman who gained international attention after her husband and dozens of other men were convicted of repeatedly raping her over nearly a decade, has been appearing at public events to discuss her experience and the importance of breaking the silence.

During her appearance at the Frankfurt Book Fair, Pelicot addressed her decision to hold a public trial despite the emotional burden of facing her attackers in court. She stated, “I told myself, if I am locked in with these 50 rapists in the courtroom, then I will be ashamed and not them. And I want to emphasize that it is not the victim who should be ashamed.”

In addition to her legal battle, Pelicot has focused on prevention through education, emphasizing the need to teach boys to respect women from an early age. Her memoir, “A Hymn to Life,” has become an international bestseller, detailing her pursuit of justice and her journey toward rebuilding her life.