Gisèle Pelicot Honored with France's Legion of Honour for Courage in Testimony

In a significant recognition of her courage, 72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot has received France's highest award after her impactful trial against her abuser.

Gisèle Pelicot, a French woman renowned for her powerful testimony during her husband's mass-rape trial, has been awarded the esteemed Knight of the Legion of Honour. Announced shortly before the country's Bastille Day celebrations, the 72-year-old Pelicot garnered attention for her bravery in waiving her right to anonymity to shed light on her harrowing experience.

In a shocking case that captured the nation, Pelicot testified against her husband, who had drugged and assaulted her over a decade, involving more than 50 men in the abuse. Following a trial that concluded in December, Dominique Pelicot, also 72, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for aggravated rape, having confessed to his crimes.

Throughout the trial, Gisèle Pelicot made it her mission to empower other women, declaring, "I want all women who have been raped to say: Madame Pelicot did it, I can too," affirming her stance against the stigma of victimhood.

French President Emmanuel Macron recognized Pelicot's efforts, commending her as a trailblazer whose "dignity and courage moved and inspired France and the world." Looking ahead, Pelicot's lawyer confirmed that a memoir detailing her traumatic yet transformative journey is set to be published early next year, aiming to reshape societal attitudes towards rape in France.