Gisèle Pélicot was met with applause from the audience when she arrived at the court in Avignon on Wednesday, which she has visited most trial days.
She testified in September about the crimes committed against her, but returned after the judge in the case asked her to convey her impression of the trial so far.
I am a woman who is completely broken, she said according to AFP, and added that her goal is to change society's view on sexual abuse and for victims to be able to come forward without feelings of guilt.
I want all women who have fallen victim to rape to be able to say "Mrs. Pélicot could, so I can too". It's not us who should be ashamed, it's the perpetrators.
Feminist Icon
Gisèle Pélicot became a feminist icon after calling for a public trial. She has also agreed to have her name and image published.
Her ex-husband, Dominique Pélicot, is accused of drugging his wife and letting men assault her for decades.
The evidence presented includes thousands of images and films showing how over 70 different men raped her – assaults that took place over a ten-year period. The defendants are between 25 and 75 years old – among them a former police officer, a municipal politician, and a journalist.
Trying to Understand
Dominique Pélicot has admitted to being a rapist and apologized in court. On Wednesday, he sat in the courtroom and listened to his former wife, without looking at her.
I'm trying to understand how my husband, who was the perfect man, could become like this, said Gisèle Pélicot.
For me, it's a betrayal of unimaginable proportions. After 50 years together. I used to think I would live with this man for the rest of my life.
She also said, according to Le Monde, that she has a long way to go to recover.
I don't know how I'll move on. I'm almost 72 years old and don't know if I'll live long enough to recover from this.
Martin Yngve/TT
Facts: The Rape Case That Shakes France
TT
The trial against 71-year-old Dominique Pélicot and 50 other men in Avignon, France, began on September 2 and is expected to last for nearly four months.
The men are all accused of assaulting Gisèle Pélicot, 72. Several of the defendants risk 20 years in prison for aggravated rape.
Before the assaults, Dominique Pélicot drugged his wife to the point where she was almost unconscious, according to the prosecution. She therefore did not know what was happening until it was discovered in 2020.
The evidence consists of tens of thousands of images and films showing how at least 70 different men raped Pélicot – assaults that took place over a ten-year period. The defendants are between 25 and 75 years old, among them a former police officer, a municipal politician, and a journalist. Many have families and children, according to French media.
The trial is open to the public at the request of Gisèle Pélicot, who has also agreed to have her name and image published.
The evidence also includes intimate images of the Pélicot's daughter and two step-daughters, taken without their knowledge.
