In Avignon, a shocking court case led to Dominique Pélicot’s twenty-year sentence for drugging and repeatedly raping his wife, Gisèle, over nearly a decade. The exposure of incriminating videos revealed a network of fifty accomplices facing sentences of up to fifteen years. Caroline Darian, Gisèle’s daughter, highlights the plight of victims of chemical submission in her writings, advocating for awareness and justice for those lacking evidence or memories of their trauma. Her upcoming book aims to further illuminate these hidden crimes.
A Groundbreaking Court Case in Avignon
From September to December 2024, the Avignon court was the stage for a chilling case that shocked many. Dominique Pélicot received a twenty-year prison sentence for drugging his wife, Gisèle Pélicot, and subjecting her to repeated rapes by various assailants. For nearly a decade, he recorded these heinous acts without a shred of remorse. The truth came to light when investigators uncovered incriminating videos, leading to the trial of fifty accomplices, who faced sentences ranging from three to fifteen years. This landmark ruling signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against sexual violence.
Breaking the Silence on Invisible Crimes
Beyond the convictions, this tragic family saga raises an urgent question: how can society break the silence surrounding these hidden crimes? Throughout the trial, it became clear that the accused had orchestrated a meticulously planned system to exploit his wife’s vulnerability. He used incapacitating substances, taking advantage of the lack of surveillance, rendering her defenseless against the horrific acts he facilitated. Victims of chemical submission often face immense challenges in proving their experiences, as they frequently lack clear memories or physical evidence.
In 2022, Caroline Darian shared a poignant narrative in her book, “And I Stopped Calling You Dad,” where she details the devastating fall of her father in her eyes. Everything changed for her on November 2, 2020, when she received shocking news from the Carpentras police about her father’s arrest. The evidence revealed the unthinkable: Gisèle Pélicot had been drugged and subjected to rapes for almost a decade. Faced with this unbearable reality, Caroline summoned the strength to write.
Her book tells the story of a profound personal upheaval. How does one cope with the revelation that a beloved father is also a perpetrator? By sharing her experience, she aims to shine a light on the issue of chemical submission—a little-known affliction that turns victims into helpless targets. Following the book’s release, she founded the association “#MendorsPas, stop chemical submission,” dedicated to raising awareness and combating these silent atrocities. The impact of her narrative has sparked a collective consciousness, prompting calls for training among healthcare providers and law enforcement personnel.
Three years after her initial publication, Caroline Darian is set to release a new book titled “So That We Remember,” scheduled for March 5, 2025, by JC Lattès. This time, her focus shifts to the victims of rapes who lack evidence and clear memories—an arduous yet vital topic. Her publisher describes the work as a unique perspective from the daughter of both the victim and the tormentor, unveiling the unfinished investigation and her relentless advocacy against chemical submission while seeking the truth.
Caroline Darian confronts the challenge of achieving justice in the absence of memories and when testimonies are doubted. By engaging with institutions and amplifying her message, she strives to address these judicial shortcomings. With “So That We Remember,” she persists in her quest, illuminating the invisible scars that linger long after the trauma. This heartfelt appeal urges society to finally recognize and acknowledge these overlooked victims.