Gisele Pelicot receives courage award for confronting sexual violence
Gisele Pelicot, the 73-year-old French grandmother who became a global symbol of courage after publicly confronting the men who abused her, has received the Woman of Courage award at the Women of the Year Awards in London. Accepting the honour, she dedicated it to all victims of sexual violence worldwide, stating that the award belongs to them, not to her alone. Her decision to waive anonymity and pursue public proceedings rather than seeking silence has transformed the fight against sexual violence and inspired millions globally.
The trial, which concluded in Avignon after three and a half months, revealed that Pelicot's ex-husband of nearly 50 years, Dominique Pelicot, had secretly drugged her and invited dozens of strangers to rape her while she was unconscious for almost a decade. Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment in December 2024, whilst 50 other men were convicted of rape or other sexual offences. The horrific crimes only emerged in November 2020 when police discovered thousands of photographs and videos after Dominique Pelicot was caught filming under women's skirts in a supermarket.
- Gisele Pelicot honoured with Woman of Courage award at London ceremony
- Dedicated award to all sexual violence victims, not herself
- Ex-husband sentenced to 20 years; 50 others convicted
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Gisele Pelicot is a 73-year-old French woman whose case brought global attention to sexual violence. Her ex-husband of nearly 50 years, Dominique Pelicot, secretly drugged her over almost a decade and arranged for dozens of strangers to rape her while she was unconscious. The crimes came to light in November 2020 when police discovered thousands of photographs and videos, which emerged after Dominique Pelicot was caught filming under women's skirts in a supermarket.
The trial took place in Avignon and lasted three and a half months. Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison in December 2024, and 50 other men were convicted of rape or other sexual offences.
What distinguished Pelicot was her decision to publicly identify herself rather than remain anonymous, as is customary for victims of sexual violence. This choice transformed how the world viewed survivors and prompted a global conversation about shame and violence against women. Her refusal to accept silence has made her a symbol of resilience for millions of people affected by similar crimes.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “‘It is for all women’: Gisele Pelicot is honoured as she accepts Woman of Courage award at star-studded London gala”.