At the National Organization for Women-NYC (NOW-NYC), our mission is rooted in supporting and standing with survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. This year, we are honored to recognize Gisèle Pelicot as our Person of the Year, celebrating her unwavering strength, resilience, and her extraordinary courage to come forward in the face of unimaginable adversity.
Gisèle’s story is one of unimaginable suffering, resilience, and the courage to reclaim her power. For over a decade, Gisèle was drugged by her former husband, Dominique Pelicot, who then invited more than 70 men to rape her while she was unconscious. This brutal and unimaginable abuse remained hidden until 2020, when police discovered the extent of his actions after catching him attempting to take upskirt photos of women. A subsequent search of his computer revealed over 20,000 photos and videos of multiple men engaging in sexual acts with Gisèle while she was drugged and unconscious.
In October, Gisèle made the extraordinary decision to share her story publicly, refusing to be defined by the shame and blame that society so often places on survivors. “I have decided not to be ashamed. I have done nothing wrong,” she declared during her testimony. “They are the ones who should be ashamed.”
Her courage reached a pivotal moment this week, as a French court found her former husband and 50 others guilty of their heinous crimes. This verdict is more than a legal victory—it is a triumph of Gisèle’s strength, a beacon of hope for survivors everywhere, and a powerful call to action against the hidden and often ignored realities of gender-based violence.
Gisèle’s words today are a reminder of her commitment to amplifying the voices of survivors: “And finally, I am thinking of the unrecognized victims, whose stories often remain in the shadows. I want you to know that we share the same fight.”
Her story underscores the devastating reality that intimate partner violence often happens behind closed doors, hidden in private spaces where victims are silenced and isolated. It highlights the societal stigmas that perpetuate these injustices, burdening survivors with blame that belongs only to their abusers.
By stepping into the light and refusing anonymity, Gisèle has reclaimed her power and inspired countless others to do the same. Her demand for justice—for herself and for others—is a call to confront the systems and cultural norms that allow gender-based violence to persist.
As we honor Gisèle Pelicot, we reaffirm our commitment to standing with all survivors, especially those whose voices remain unheard. Her courage illuminates the path forward, challenging us to dismantle the barriers that keep survivors in the shadows.
We share Gisèle’s fight, and we will continue to work tirelessly for a world where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered. Her story reminds us that together, we can take back the power of shame and create a society where gender-based violence is no longer tolerated.
Thank you, Gisèle, for your bravery. You are not just our Person of the Year—you are a symbol of hope, resilience, and the unwavering power of women.