French Survivor Gisèle Pelicot Honored for Bravery in Landmark Sexual Assault Case
The 72-year-old wore an Aboriginal-designed scarf gifted by Australian supporters as 51 men were sentenced for their crimes in a case that has inspired global praise.
- Gisèle Pelicot, a 72-year-old survivor of a high-profile drugging and rape case in France, refused anonymity and became a global symbol for justice and survivor advocacy.
- A French court convicted and sentenced 51 men for sexually assaulting Pelicot after she was drugged by her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot.
- Pelicot wore a silk scarf featuring Aboriginal art, gifted by Australia's Older Women’s Network, during her trial to acknowledge their solidarity and support.
- The scarf, designed by Indigenous artist Mulyatingki Marney, symbolizes healing and has gained significant attention, boosting interest in the small business that produces it.
- World leaders, including Germany's Olaf Scholz and Spain's Pedro Sanchez, praised Pelicot for her courage, with her case raising awareness about sexual violence worldwide.