Gisèle Pelicot Honored with France's Highest Distinction

In a remarkable recognition of courage, Gisèle Pelicot, a 72-year-old survivor of mass rape, was awarded France's prestigious Legion of Honour. This comes after her powerful testimony during her high-profile trial last year, prompting discussions on victim rights and societal attitudes toward sexual violence.

Gisèle Pelicot, the French woman who garnered global attention for her courageous public testimony in her mass-rape trial, has been awarded the Legion of Honour, France’s highest accolade. This significant recognition was announced in a recent honor list coinciding with France’s Bastille Day celebrations. At the age of 72, Pelicot courageously waived her right to anonymity during the trial against her husband, Dominique Pelicot, revealing the horrific details of a decade-long assault in which he drugged and raped her, while also orchestrating the abuse by inviting several other men.

Her relentless attendance at the trial, which concluded in December with Dominique receiving a harsh sentence of 20 years for aggravated rape, showcased her resilience and determination to bring awareness to the plight of victims. "I want all women who have been raped to say: Madame Pelicot did it, I can too," she told reporters, emphasizing the importance of shifting the stigma from survivors to perpetrators.

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed admiration for Pelicot’s strength, calling her a pioneer in shifting societal norms around sexual violence. "Her dignity and courage have moved and inspired France and the world," he stated. In addition, her attorney has revealed plans for a memoir that will narrate Pelicot’s harrowing experiences from her own perspective, set to be released early next year.