Gisele Pelicot Honored with Woman of Courage Award in London

Gisele Pelicot, the French grandmother who became a global symbol of courage after waiving her anonymity during the trial of her rapist ex-husband, has been honored at a star-studded awards ceremony in London. The 73-year-old received the Woman of Courage award at the Women of the Year Awards, dedicating the honor to victims of sexual violence around the world.

Ms. Pelicot's extraordinary bravery in confronting the men who abused her inspired millions. She joined actress Sienna Miller and journalist Diane Kenwood at London's Royal Lancaster Hotel for the event. Accepting the award, she stated, "It is an honor to receive this award. People call me courageous but I accepted this award for all women victims of sexual violence. I could not keep this award just for me, it is for all women."

Her appearance comes almost two years after the conclusion of a harrowing trial in France that exposed how her husband of nearly 50 years had secretly drugged her and invited dozens of strangers to rape her while she was unconscious. Dominique Pelicot was jailed for 20 years in December 2024 after admitting to orchestrating the abuse, which continued for almost a decade at the couple's home in southern France. A further 50 men were convicted of rape or other sexual offenses following the trial.

Rather than remain anonymous, Ms. Pelicot insisted the proceedings be held in public, declaring that shame must change sides from victims to perpetrators. Her decision transformed the case into a defining moment in the fight against sexual violence, sparking demonstrations in her support and earning her admiration across the globe.

Despite becoming an international figure of strength, Ms. Pelicot insists she has never considered herself particularly brave. Speaking to ITV News ahead of the ceremony, she said, "It is true that I never really felt courageous, but I had to seek deep down the resources in me to be able to fight for this struggle. And I really wanted to face the abusers during the trial. But it is true I was very determined."

She also issued a stark warning about websites and online platforms used to facilitate sexual abuse, describing them as a "plague on society" and demanding tougher action to shut them down. "The platforms are an issue because every time you've got a platform that is shut down, a new one appears straight after... I think it is very important to keep an eye and watch all those platforms and close them as soon as they appear." She added, "Society and everybody needs to be aware of that and to act."

The horrific crimes came to light after Dominique Pelicot was caught filming up women's skirts in a supermarket in November 2020. Police subsequently discovered thousands of photographs and videos documenting the abuse of his wife, who had no recollection of the attacks. Investigators found he had recruited men through the internet to assault her while she was heavily sedated.

Ms. Pelicot told ITV News that the trial had helped other victims find the confidence to speak out, although she warned there was still a long way to go. "Shame is changing sides but I think there is still a long way to go before women can free themselves from the chains that prevent them from talking. They don't know where to find support. Women need to keep fighting, they need to have a voice, they need to denounce what is happening. It is very important for their recovery." She added, "I think that the trial gave women a voice. I think women had lost confidence, they had lost their dignity."

Her determination has also won the admiration of Queen Camilla, who welcomed her to Clarence House in February and praised her "extraordinary dignity." Recalling their meeting, Ms. Pelicot said, "It was a beautiful meeting. I met a woman who is very committed into issues related to violence against women especially domestic abuse. She is very sincere and I have a lot of respect for this woman because she is nurturing. I think we had a very rich and excellent conversation."

Earlier this year, Ms. Pelicot published her memoir, "A Hymn to Life," recounting her ordeal and her determination to rebuild her life. She has since found love again and stated she refuses to allow the crimes committed against her to dictate her future. "I think it's important not to look back. Once you've been through what you've been through you need to allow yourself to be happy... My book is a message of hope and love. I never imagined I could fall in love with this young 73 year old man. This happened to me and life is still sending me beautiful signs."

She has also revealed her intention to visit her former husband in prison to confront him about the suffering he inflicted on their family. "When I face him, I want to ask him Why. Why did you inflict all that suffering to me and our family? And did you realise the harm that you were causing us."

Her story is now set to reach British audiences in a theatrical production, "The Pelicot Trial," featuring stars including Rosie O'Donnell, Adjoa Andoh, and Juliet Stevenson. The production, based on courtroom testimony and police files, is due to be performed at London County Hall on November 30.

For Ms. Pelicot, the recognition she has received is about far more than her own experience. "If my story and my name are associated with this struggle, like a flagship, I'm very proud of that."