When shame changes sides - The case of Gisèle Pelicot | DW Documentary

The sensational abuse trial involving Gisèle Pelicot, as seen through her daughter’s eyes. A documentary about the harrowing reality of drug-induced sexual violence and the courage of the victims to speak out.

Over a period of ten years, Gisèle Pelicot was systematically drugged by her then-husband in Mazan, in the south of France. On numerous occasions he invited men from the area to sexually assault her.

Central to the film is the personal perspective of their daughter, Caroline Darian, who speaks at length for the first time about her mother’s story and her own experiences during the trial.

Darian has become an important voice for victims in recent years. As a whistleblower, she draws attention to the hitherto overlooked role of substances in sexual violence - an aspect that is often neglected in criminal proceedings. Gisèle Pelicot made the decision to waive her anonymity and insist that proceedings be open to the public rather than behind closed doors, as is common for rape cases in France. This sent a major signal to society.
Thanks to the close relationship of trust with producer Andrea Rawlins-Gaston and director Linda Bendali, the film also features other victims who speak out about drug-facilitated sexual assaults. Their testimonies make it clear that the Pelicot case is not an isolated incident, but part of a wider problem: readily available medication used to commit sexual violence in both private and professional settings.

The film also aims to raise awareness and encourage those affected to share their experiences. It calls for a shift in the way we approach sexual violence - in particular, a shift in the burden of shame from the victim to the perpetrator.



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