History of Gisèle Pelicot in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: December 20, 2024

Gisèle Pelicot is a French woman who became a symbol of courage and resilience after enduring years of horrific sexual abuse. Between 2011 and 2020, her husband, Dominique Pelicot, secretly drugged and raped her, also facilitating the same crime by numerous other men he met online. The abuse came to light in 2020 following her husband's arrest for unrelated voyeuristic offenses. The subsequent police investigation unearthed evidence of the rapes. In 2024, during the trial of her husband and 50 other men, Pelicot bravely waived her anonymity, bringing the case to international attention. Her decision to speak out garnered widespread support and admiration, establishing her as a prominent feminist figure. She was recognized for her influence and bravery, featuring on both the BBC's 100 Women and the Financial Times' 25 Most Influential Women lists in 2024.

December 1952: Birth of Gisèle Pelicot

Gisèle Pelicot was born in December 1952.

1971: Meeting Dominique Pelicot

Gisèle Pelicot met her future husband, Dominique Pelicot, in 1971.

April 1973: Marriage to Dominique Pelicot

Gisèle married Dominique Pelicot in April 1973.

1986: Birth of Florian

Gisèle and Dominique Pelicot's son, Florian, was born in 1986.

2001: First Divorce from Dominique Pelicot

Gisèle and Dominique Pelicot divorced for financial reasons in 2001.

2007: Remarriage to Dominique Pelicot

Gisèle and Dominique Pelicot remarried in 2007.

2011: Start of Abuse

The abuse of Gisèle Pelicot by her husband began in 2011.

2013: Retirement and Move to Mazan

Gisèle and Dominique Pelicot retired and moved to Mazan in 2013.

September 2020: Dominique Pelicot's Arrest

Dominique Pelicot was arrested in September 2020.

November 2020: Discovery of Abuse

Gisèle Pelicot learned about the abuse in November 2020.

2020: Discovery of Abuse and Husband's Arrest

In 2020, Gisèle Pelicot's husband was arrested, leading to the discovery of the abuse she had suffered.

September 2024: Trial Begins in Avignon

The trial of Dominique Pelicot and others began in Avignon in September 2024. Gisèle Pelicot waived her right to anonymity and insisted on a public trial.