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Gisèle Pelicot received the Freedom from Fear Award. Gisèle Pelicot calls for behavioral change and public understanding of sexual violence worldwide. She strives for a society in which everyone can move about freely and safely, without fear and free from coercive control or violence: on the street, at work, and at home.
Gisèle Pelicot was drugged for years by her own husband and severely sexually abused by him and dozens of other men. She chose to pursue a public trial. By speaking openly about the abuse, she breaks taboos, inspires others, and encourages sexual abuse survivors to share their stories, placing responsibility and shame firmly where they belong: on the perpetrators. Mrs. Pelicot calls for behavioral change and public understanding of sexual violence, worldwide. She strives for a society in which everyone can move freely and safely, without fear and free from coercion or violence, on the street, at work, and at home.
More about Gisèle Pelicot
Gisèle Pelicot has shown that shame belongs with the perpetrators, not the victims. She decided not to have the trial held behind closed doors: she wanted her story to help other women and to ensure that “the shame changes sides.” The trial, and the public attention it received, led to changes in French law. The French parliament has adopted new legislation that makes rape punishable at an earlier stage. From now on, all sexual acts without explicit prior consent are considered rape.