Gisèle Pelicot’s Memoir Launches in 22 Languages, Sharing Story of Survival and Hope
PARIS (AP) — Gisèle Pelicot’s memoir, “A Hymn to Life, Shame has to Change Sides,” was released on Tuesday in 22 languages worldwide, detailing the horrific abuse she endured and offering a message of hope and support to victims of sexual assault. The book recounts her story of survival and follows her landmark 2024 trial, which turned her into a global icon against sexual violence and led to the imprisonment of her husband and dozens of others.
A Decade of Abuse Uncovered
Between 2011 and 2020, Pelicot was drugged and raped by her husband, Dominique Pelicot, and approximately 50 other men while unconscious, primarily at their home in Mazan, France. The abuse came to light in 2020 when Dominique Pelicot was arrested for upskirting women in a local supermarket, and a subsequent police search of his computer revealed images of the assaults.
Landmark Trial and Sentencing
The case garnered international attention, and the subsequent trial resulted in convictions for Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men in December 2024. Dominique Pelicot was initially sentenced to 20 years in prison, while the other defendants received sentences ranging from three to 15 years. An appeals court later increased the sentence for one defendant, Husamettin Dogan, who challenged his conviction.
Pelicot’s Courage and Impact
Pelicot’s decision to waive her right to anonymity and speak publicly about her ordeal sparked a national reckoning over rape culture in France and beyond. Her courage and determination have inspired many, including Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, who publicly praised Pelicot’s strength, stating that “it’s not for victims of sexual abuse to feel shame — it’s the perpetrators.”
A Message of Hope and Healing
In her memoir and recent interviews, Pelicot has expressed her hope that her story will help other victims of sexual abuse. “I wanted my story to help others,” she told French national channel France 5. “Today I’m doing better, and this book allowed me to engage in self-reflection… Today I am a woman standing strong.” She aims to deliver “a message of hope to all the women who are going through a incredibly complicated period in their lives.”
Legislative Changes in France
The Pelicot case contributed to legislative changes in France, with a new law passed in October 2025 defining rape and sexual assault as any non-consensual sexual act. This aligns France with other European nations that have adopted consent-based laws.
Reader Reactions
The release of Pelicot’s memoir has been met with anticipation and admiration. Readers at the “Des Femmes” bookstore in Paris expressed a desire to understand Pelicot’s experience and draw strength from her resilience. One reader, Cécile Megueulle, said she was both eager and apprehensive about reading the book, while Selma Memic, a lawyer from Geneva, expressed interest in learning more about Pelicot’s personal journey.
Associated Press journalists Catherine Gaschka and Oleg Cetinic contributed to this report.