In a harrowing trial that has shocked France, a 71-year-old woman, Gisele Pelicot, has come forward to testify against her husband, Dominique Pelicot, who stands accused of subjecting her to a decade of appalling sexual abuse. Gisele's bravery in court has shed light on the gruesome details of her ordeal, including being drugged and raped by multiple strangers, while her husband filmed the horrifying acts.

The trial, held in Avignon, France, has left the nation in disbelief as the testimonies outlined the extent of Dominique Pelicot's heinous crimes. Gisele Pelicot shared her traumatic experiences, revealing that her husband had admitted to repeatedly sexually abusing her between 2011 and 2020. Dominique would drug her and allow numerous strangers into their home to engage in acts of rape, while he recorded them.

Speaking before the court, the couple's daughter courageously described Dominique as one of the most notorious sexual criminals in the past two decades. The shocking nature of the case prompted Gisele Pelicot to request that her identity be revealed to the public as part of her efforts to raise awareness about sexual abuse.

Gisele Pelicot hopes that the publicity surrounding the trial will not only bring her justice but also spare others from experiencing a similar fate. The disturbing revelations have left the nation shaken, and Gisele believes that her testimony can help bring attention to the issue of sexual abuse and safeguard potential victims in the future.

The investigation into the crimes began when Dominique Pelicot was apprehended by a supermarket security guard while filming up women's skirts. Subsequently, the police discovered explicit videos and thousands of images on his electronic devices, documenting over 200 cases of rape perpetrated by more than 90 strangers. At this point, authorities reached out to Gisele Pelicot, who had previously suffered from unexplained memory lapses.

Initially, Gisele defended her husband, referring to him as "a great guy." However, when confronted with the evidence, she broke down, overwhelmed by the brutal scenes she witnessed. Packing her life into two suitcases, she immediately left her husband and filed for divorce.

Disturbingly, the investigation revealed that Dominique Pelicot had utilized a criminal messaging website to invite multiple men to sexually abuse his incapacitated wife. Toxicologists confirmed that Gisele was drugged with a dangerous combination of medications. Additionally, medical experts testified that she had contracted four sexually transmitted infections as the perpetrators were not required to use protection.

Over a two-year period, police diligently pursued the 72 suspects identified in the recordings, successfully apprehending most of them. Currently, Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men, ranging in age from 26 to 74, face trial for aggravated rape, a crime that carries a potential sentence of 20 years in jail for each defendant.

Gisele Pelicot firmly rejects any claims of manipulation by the perpetrators, stating that they knowingly violated her consent. She emphasizes the importance of bystander intervention, urging people to report suspicious behavior and not look the other way. "Even an anonymous phone call could have saved my life," she maintains.

As Gisele Pelicot continues her painful journey seeking justice, she expresses the unbearable weight she carries. Addressing the court, she reveals the complexity of her emotions, stating, "I have so much to say, that I don't always know where to start. I thought we were a close couple."

The trial continues, with Dominique Pelicot scheduled to take the stand in the upcoming week. The court proceedings represent a crucial step towards delivering justice for Gisele Pelicot and raising awareness about the urgent need to combat sexual abuse in society.