‘Shame must change sides’: Gisèle Pelicot’s tremendous message of hope and courage sweeps the world

February 26, 2026

Gisèle Pelicot has emerged as a global feminist icon after publicly revealing that her ex-husband drugged and facilitated her rape by himself and over 50 men during nearly a decade of their marriage. Instead of requesting a closed trial as is typical for sexual assault victims, she waived her anonymity to raise awareness about sexual violence and challenge the culture of victim shame. Her courageous testimony during the 2024 trial helped influence France's 2025 legal reform that explicitly incorporated non-consent into the definition of rape.

Who is affected

Gisèle Pelicot (primary victim)
Rape and sexual assault victims in France and internationally who face shame in reporting crimes
Dominique Pelicot (ex-husband, convicted perpetrator) and at least 50 other men aged 21-68 who participated in the assaults
Women in France (where one woman suffers rape or attempted rape every two and a half minutes)
French society and legal system
Global audiences engaging with discussions about sexual violence and victim rights

What action is being taken

Gisèle Pelicot is conducting interviews with international media outlets including El País, the New York Times, BBC, Vogue Magazine, and Der Spiegel
Her memoir is being published in 22 languages internationally
Artists are creating works featuring her image, including murals
She is rebuilding her life at age 73

Why it matters

This case matters because it exposes the widespread nature of sexual violence, including how it can be perpetrated by intimate partners and facilitated by numerous community members over extended periods. Pelicot's decision to speak publicly challenged the societal norm that places shame on victims rather than perpetrators, captured in her message that "shame must change sides." Her testimony directly influenced France's 2025 legal reform adding explicit non-consent language to rape definitions, representing tangible legal progress. The case also highlights how sexual violence occurs even in societies with gender equality laws, revealing the gap between legal protections and social realities, and demonstrates how victim silence—driven by shame—allows such crimes to remain underreported and perpetrators to maintain impunity.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices