After enduring and triumphantly surviving one of the most harrowing cases of abuse, Gisèle Pelicot stood tall and remained resilient, becoming a source of courage for women everywhere.
“Wala ka sa mood, paano ako?” A jarring question by Senator Robin Padilla during a Senate probe discussing marital rape. In English, “So you’re not in the mood, but what about my needs?” The question spoke volumes; aside from the fact that it came from an elected senator, it also gave a glimpse into the misogynist ideals some Filipinos still hold. Adhering to such beliefs is dangerous for women. It fosters the notion that married women are subservient to men.
Trigger warning: This article mentions rape, sexual abuse, HIV, and drugs. Reader discretion is advised for those who may be sensitive to these topics.
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One extreme case of men believing they own and have the rights to a woman’s body is the chilling story of Gisèle Pelicot. A woman drugged and raped by strangers invited by her own husband. However, even in her darkest time, Gisèle stood tall and raised every woman’s flag.
A Dark Turn
Gisèle Pelicot is a 72-year-old French woman who is a modern-day feminist icon and hero. However, before being the symbol of strength that she is today, she had to endure one of the most despicable crimes imaginable.
Before the discovery of her ex-husband’s highly immoral acts, she was a retired woman who decided to live a quiet life in a small town in France. However, Gisèle’s life took a dark turn in 2020 when Dominique Pelicot, a sorry excuse for a human being, her ex-husband, was arrested for secretly recording women under their skirts. With just cause and for the purpose of evidence, the police discovered unsettling videos of multiple men raping his wife while she was unconscious. Dominique was put on trial for the then-alleged accusations of raping, drugging, and inciting other men to rape Gisèle.
As the trial progressed, more information emerged about Dominique’s gross abuse of Gisele. It was discovered that over 80 men accepted Dominique’s invitation to molest and rape Gisèle’s unconscious body—one of the men also being HIV positive.
“My life was in danger, but not one second did anyone stop. Luckily I didn’t catch it. But not once did Mr. Pelicot say to himself, ‘I’ve gone too far.’ He showed no pity, no pity at all,” she told the court.
It is gut-wrenching how one man can be so vile and evil. He viewed his loving wife as a sacrifice that he made on the altar of debauchery. His actions are not his alone—he and all the other men who took advantage of Gisèle’s vulnerability, are products of a society built on the ideals of machismo.
Standing Tall
While the 20-year jail term is insufficient given the gravity of the crimes committed, the conviction of Dominique and the other men brings comfort—seeing Lady Justice side with the woman. Gisèle’s demeanor throughout the whole trial was admirable and unmatched. She made choices that signified her strength throughout the whole ordeal.
It is admirable that Gisèle never opted to be anonymous during the trial. She saw the opportunity to be a beacon of hope and strength for every woman in a similar situation. She had the chance to be anonymous; however, she knew that anonymity would also mean silence. “It’s not for us to feel shame—it’s for them,” she said while talking about her perpetrators.
Beyond being a proud survivor, Gisèle also made a powerful statement when she decided to keep her last name during the trial. She said that, in her own way, she wanted her grandchildren to be “proud” of their last name—even amidst the turmoil. This act of courage is a testament to her strength and love for her family.
Lastly, her resilience has given others the opportunity to shift their views regarding women’s rights and marital rape. “It’s time that the macho, patriarchal society that trivializes rape changes,” she said in her closing statement in court.
A Win For Every Woman
Gisèle’s win is for every woman who has suffered under the patriarchal system. It is a win for every woman who feels the need to hide with shame while their abusers are proudly living their lives. Her win is a win for every woman everywhere.
Aside from being a modern day hero, she has also contributed to the conversation about women’s bodily autonomy and consent. Even though this case happened in France, its effects are felt even here in the Philippines. It is an opportunity for Filipinos, especially lawmakers, to change their stance regarding women’s rights, even perhaps more so, within a partnership as legally binding as marriage.
Gisèle’s trial demonstrates the power women hold. Every woman is entitled to make decisions about her own body—after all, it is and will always be “her body, her choices.”
Banner photo by Ann-Sophie Qvarnström via Wikimedia.
