50 Facts About Dominique Pelicot

The Arrest and Initial Discovery

Dominique Pelicot's case is one of the most horrifying and complex criminal investigations in recent history. Here are the key facts that outline the events and details of this disturbing case.

1. Dominique Pelicot was arrested on September 12, 2020, for upskirting women using his mobile phone at an E.Leclerc supermarket in Carpentras, near Mazan.
2. The investigation into Pelicot's activities began after his arrest for upskirting. During the search of his home and digital equipment, police discovered thousands of images and videos of men raping his wife, Gisèle Pelicot.
3. Pelicot was part of a private chatroom called à son insu ("without her knowledge"), hosted on the coco.fr website. Members discussed performing sexual acts on women without their consent, often after administering drugs.
4. After Pelicot's arrest, the coco.fr website changed its domain registration from France to Guernsey. The website was shut down in June 2024 due to its connection to over 23,000 French criminal cases between 2021 and 2024.

Evidence and Investigation

The investigation revealed a staggering amount of evidence against Pelicot and the men involved in the abuse of his wife.

5. On a USB stick connected to Pelicot's computer, investigators found a folder called "abuses" containing more than 20,000 images and videos of his unconscious wife being raped. The videos were meticulously filed with explicit titles and the names of the men.
6. Investigators identified 92 separate incidents of rape committed on Gisèle Pelicot by 72 different men between July 2011 and October 2020.
7. It took the police two years to identify and locate 50 of the perpetrators. The remaining perpetrators remain unidentified.
8. The men involved in the rapes were aged between 21 and 68 at the time of the incidents.
9. Gisèle Pelicot was unaware of the abuse being perpetrated against her. She was drugged and left unconscious during the rapes.

Court Proceedings and Testimonies

The trial of Dominique Pelicot and the other defendants has been a significant event, drawing public attention and support for the victim.

10. Dominique Pelicot admitted his guilt in court, stating, "I am a rapist like the others in this room." He asked his family for forgiveness and recounted a traumatic childhood, including being raped by a male nurse at age nine.
11. Despite his actions, Pelicot claimed to have always loved his wife and felt suicidal when he discovered she had been having an affair. He stated that his addiction to drugging and abusing her was too strong to stop even when she developed health problems caused by the drugs.
12. Gisèle Pelicot responded to her husband's evidence by saying, "It is difficult for me to listen to this. For 50 years, I lived with a man who I would've never imagined could be capable of this. I trusted him completely."
13. The trial was held in public to expose the crimes and support Gisèle Pelicot. Hundreds of people, mostly women, gathered in cities across France to support her, with feminist associations organizing protests in cities like Marseille and Paris.
14. A majority of the defendants are contesting the accusation of rape. Some have claimed they believed a husband's consent for sexual intercourse was sufficient, while others have said Dominique Pelicot tricked them into believing that his wife was consenting.
15. Defense lawyers argued that "there is rape and rape, and without intention, there is no rape." Eighteen of the accused, including Pelicot, are in custody, according to TF1.
16. Defense lawyers for the accused men have said they would be filing legal complaints because they say the leaks of their personal information have been shared on social media.

Health Concerns and Courtroom Dynamics

The trial has also been marked by health concerns and emotional testimonies.

17. Dominique Pelicot has been exempted from attending the trial since Wednesday due to health concerns. His lawyer said he took heavy medication and was allowed to take breaks to lie down throughout the day.
18. Pelicot appeared in court with a cane on Tuesday morning and spoke to the judge through a microphone. He expressed remorse for his actions and asked for forgiveness from his family and the public.
19. Pelicot mentioned a difficult upbringing and being a victim of rape himself at age nine. This traumatic experience was cited as a factor in his later actions.
20. Dominique Pelicot is also accused of inciting Jean-Pierre Maréchal to drug and rape his own wife. Additionally, he is charged with the rape and murder of 23-year-old estate agent Sophie Narme in Paris in 1991 and with the attempted rape of a 19-year-old estate agent in Villeparisis, Seine-et-Marne.
21. Charges related to Sophie Narme were brought by the cold case unit at Nanterre. Initially, Pelicot denied these crimes but admitted to the attempted rape when told that his DNA matched a sample taken at the scene.
22. The DNA match had previously been noted when he was arrested for upskirting in Collégien in 2010, but at that time, the police failed to pursue the matter. The DNA sample taken from the scene of Sophie Narme's alleged rape had been lost.
23. Investigations found 300 photographs and a video of the acts, which were filed in folders including one titled "Abuse." Gisèle Pelicot told investigators that she had suffered from memory lapses and had consulted a gynecologist for unexplained pains.

Public Support and Awareness

The case has sparked widespread public support for Gisèle Pelicot and raised awareness about sexual violence.

24. Gisèle Pelicot has been a symbol of the struggle against sexual violence in France. She began divorce proceedings after meeting with investigators over the case and has been supported by hundreds of people, mostly women, who gathered in cities across France.
25. In a video posted on the news site La Provence, Gisèle Pelicot said, "Thanks to all of you, I have the strength to fight this battle to the end." She dedicated her fight to all victims of sexual violence worldwide.
26. The trial began on September 2, 2024, and is scheduled to conclude in mid-December. If found guilty, the defendants face up to 20 years in jail.
27. Technology played a crucial role in the investigation. Police used digital evidence to track down perpetrators and identify victims, highlighting the importance of digital forensics in modern crime investigations.
28. The psychological impact on Gisèle Pelicot has been significant. She has suffered from memory lapses and unexplained pains, which she attributed to the trauma she experienced during the rapes.
29. Defense lawyers have complained about leaks of personal information of the accused on social media, which they claim has compromised their clients' rights to a fair trial.
30. The case has triggered nationwide protests in support of Gisèle Pelicot and against male sexual violence. Feminist associations organized protests in cities from Marseille to Paris, with banners reading "Support to Gisèle" and "Victims we believe you."
31. Anna Toumazoff, an activist and organizer of the Paris protest, said, "It's very important to be here because we need to talk about the rape culture."
32. During his testimony, Pelicot mentioned a difficult childhood and his own experiences as a victim of rape. He cried during his testimony, according to French media.
33. Gisèle Pelicot was present in the courtroom during her husband's appearance on the stand. She was greeted with applause by spectators when she left during breaks.
34. Pelicot apologized to his family and the public for his actions, stating, "I ask my wife, my children, my grandchildren to accept my apologies. I regret what I did. I ask for your forgiveness, even if it is not forgivable."

Legal and Social Implications

The case has significant legal and social implications, highlighting the need for stronger laws and better support systems for victims of sexual violence.

35. Besides Pelicot, 50 other men are on trial for rape charges. One defendant is standing trial in absentia. The trial involves men aged 26 to 73, who participated in the abuse of Gisèle Pelicot over nearly a decade.
36. The coco.fr website played a significant role in the case. It was a platform where members discussed performing sexual acts on women without their consent, often after administering drugs. The website was connected to more than 23,000 French criminal cases between 2021 and 2024.
37. The investigation into Pelicot’s activities began in September 2020 and has been ongoing since then. It took two years to identify and locate 50 of the perpetrators.
38. Prosecutors have presented evidence against the other defendants, including Skype messages and chatroom discussions where they boasted of drugging Gisèle Pelicot and inviting strangers to rape her.
39. Some defendants have argued that they believed Gisèle Pelicot had consented to sex. However, prosecutors have argued that she was unconscious and unable to give consent.
40. Defense lawyers have argued that some defendants did not intend to commit rape. However, prosecutors have countered that intent is not necessary for rape to occur, especially in cases where the victim is unconscious.
41. The case has led to public awareness campaigns about rape culture and the importance of consent. Feminist associations have organized protests and rallies to support Gisèle Pelicot and raise awareness about sexual violence.
42. The media has played a crucial role in publicizing the case, highlighting the need for justice and support for victims of sexual violence. The case has been covered extensively by French and international media outlets.
43. If found guilty, the defendants face up to 20 years in jail. The trial is set to last through December, with a verdict expected by the end of the year.
44. The case has had a significant impact on French society, highlighting the need for stronger laws against sexual violence and better support systems for victims. It has also sparked discussions about rape culture and the normalization of sexual violence.
45. Feminist associations have been at the forefront of supporting Gisèle Pelicot and raising awareness about the case. They have organized protests and rallies across France, emphasizing the importance of believing victims of sexual violence.
46. Technology has been instrumental in tracking down perpetrators. Police used digital evidence to identify and locate many of the defendants, demonstrating the importance of digital forensics in modern crime investigations.
47. The psychological impact on the defendants has been significant. Many have claimed that they were tricked into believing that Gisèle Pelicot was consenting, while others have argued that they did not intend to commit rape.
48. The case has presented several legal challenges, including the issue of consent and the intent required for rape. Defense lawyers have argued that some defendants did not intend to commit rape, while prosecutors have countered that intent is not necessary in cases where the victim is unconscious.
49. The case has triggered widespread public outrage and support for Gisèle Pelicot. Hundreds of people have gathered in cities across France to support her, emphasizing the need for justice and support for victims of sexual violence.
50. The trial of Dominique Pelicot and the other defendants is a significant moment in the fight against sexual violence. The case highlights the need for stronger laws, better support systems for victims, and a broader understanding of rape culture.

The Aftermath of Dominique Pelicot's Crimes

Dominique Pelicot's case is a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity. His actions, involving the drugging and repeated rape of his wife by over 50 men, have shocked the world. The trial, which began in September 2024, has brought to light the horrific details of his crimes and the involvement of a private chatroom that facilitated these acts. Gisèle Pelicot, his wife, has become a symbol of resilience and the fight against sexual violence. Public support for her has been overwhelming, with protests and rallies across France. The case underscores the importance of consent, the need for stronger laws against sexual violence, and the critical role of technology in modern crime investigations. As the trial continues, the world watches, hoping for justice and a broader understanding of the impact of rape culture.