Daughter of Dominique Pelicot: 'He Should Die in Prison'

Caroline Darian, daughter of convicted sex offender Dominique Pelicot, opens up about her father's actions and their devastating impact on their family. Dominque Pelicot, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison, drugged his wife to facilitate sexual assaults, exposing a grim reality of chemical submission. Darian fights for justice and awareness for victims, sharing how her life turned upside down after learning of her father's crimes, which she believes may have affected her as well.

It was on a seemingly ordinary November evening in 2020 when Caroline Darian received a life-altering phone call from her mother, Gisèle Pelicot. Gisèle revealed shocking details about her husband, Dominique, disclosing that he had been drugging her for nearly a decade, allowing numerous men to assault her. Caroline described the moment as a "tsunami," marking the end of her normal life.

Dominique Pelicot now serves a 20-year sentence following a high-profile trial that exposed his heinous actions. In addition, over fifty men involved were also jailed. The police investigation into Pelicot began after he was caught engaging in voyeurism at a supermarket, which led authorities to uncover a multitude of horrifying videos and photographs of his wife being assaulted while unconscious. Caroline hopes that the trial has shed light on the grave issue of chemical submission, a form of drug-facilitated sexual violence that she feels is often overlooked due to the lack of memory surrounding the incidents.

After the distressing news, Caroline and her siblings traveled to support their mother as they processed the fallout from their father's actions, which Caroline now labels "one of the worst sexual predators of recent decades." Tragically, Caroline believes she may also be a victim of her father's abuse, though without concrete evidence, she cannot confirm it. She stated, "I know that he drugged me, probably for sexual abuse."

Determined to raise awareness of chemical submission, Caroline authored a book titled "I'll Never Call Him Dad Again," exploring her family's trauma and discussing broader issues such as the dangers of medication-based assaults, which often occur within the home.

Despite the unbearable trauma they experienced, Caroline said both she and Gisèle felt it necessary to confront their reality with strength. Together, they exposed Dominique's crimes publicly, which Caroline believes was vital for their healing. She now grapples with the burden of being connected to both an abuser and a victim, struggling to reconcile her perspective on a man she once viewed as a father.

Caroline firmly believes Dominique is not a "monster," but rather a dangerous man who was fully aware of his actions. She expressed that there should be no possibility of his release, emphasizing that "he is a dangerous man. There is no way he can get out." With Dominique Pelicot eligible for parole only after many years, the family seeks to heal and reclaim their lives.

Today, Caroline is committed to raising awareness about sexual abuse and chemical submission, prioritizing education for children on these topics. Her strength comes from her family, especially her 10-year-old son and supporting husband. Caroline reflects on her journey, asserting that while November brought devastation, it also shaped her mission to advocate for invisible victims and make a tangible difference in society.

For those affected by issues raised in this story, BBC Action Line offers support and resources.