Gisèle Pelicot's daughter shares grief at 'crushing double burden' of being predator's child
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The daughter of a woman who was drugged and abused by her ex-husband, and raped by dozens of strangers has shared her anguish at the "crushing double burden" she faces. Caroline Darian, 45, spoke about being the child of both victim and perpetrator after dad Dominique Pelicot was jailed for 20 years for drugging and raping Gisèle Pelicot while allowing scores of others to do so.
Speaking last night, Caroline said: "I'm really proud of my mum. She has opened the door. She has led the way for other victims of sexual violence. She's told them they're not alone any more. That is strength. So to me she's a hero?. "She did it brilliantly. She walked into this court every single day with hundreds of journalists, being scrutinised by everyone, being humiliated by all these [defence] lawyers. Frankly, you have be strong to do that? She's an independent and strong woman. And she did it with dignity.".
Gisèle, 72, waived her right to anonymity so journalists at the trial could report in graphic detail the harrowing ordeal she faced. Speaking after the case and after Dominique was locked up, the mum, of Mazan, southeastern France, said: "I want men and women to live together in harmony with mutual respect and understanding.".
Gisèle was embraced by the world as a feminist hero for her bravery and refusal to be shamed, as the trial made global headlines and the family was thrown into the spotlight. During the trial, dozens of accused men, now aged between 26 and 74, including a soldier, journalist and lorry drivers, had sat on benches in court, at close proximity to Caroline and her mother.
