Gisèle Pelicot Honored with France's Prestigious Legion of Honour

In a profound recognition, Gisèle Pelicot has been awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honour, highlighting her bravery in confronting her traumatic past and advocating for survivors of sexual violence.

 

Gisèle Pelicot, a 72-year-old French woman, has been honored with the prestigious Knight of the Legion of Honour, granted by France ahead of Bastille Day. Pelicot gained acclaim after she publicly waived her right to anonymity during the high-profile mass-rape trial against her husband, Dominique Pelicot, who drugged and raped her over a span of nearly ten years. The case, which concluded last December, saw Dominique Pelicot sentenced to 20 years in prison after admitting to his heinous acts, including recruiting around 50 men to assault her while she was unconscious.

Pelicot's courageous stance to come forward has inspired other women, as she emphasized the importance of shifting shame from victims to perpetrators, stating, "I want all women who have been raped to say: Madame Pelicot did it, I can too." Her powerful message resonates deeply, prompting social discourse on the stigma surrounding sexual violence. French President Emmanuel Macron praised her as a trailblazer, highlighting how her "dignity and courage moved and inspired France and the world." In addition to this award, a memoir documenting Pelicot's harrowing experiences is set to be released early next year, further amplifying her voice in the fight for justice.