Midweek Mini | Firefighter Turned Predator: Accused of Drugging Wife to Let 50 Men Sexually Assault Her | Case of Dominique Pelicot

In our latest true crime story of Love and Murder, we delve into the stomach churning case of Dominique Pelicot, a man who led a disturbingly double life. While outwardly appearing as a caring husband, father, and grandfather, Pelicot’s dark side involved heinous acts of sexual assault and abuse, not only against his wife Gisele but potentially against his own daughter as well.

Pelicot’s facade began to crumble in September 2020 when a security guard caught him secretly filming up women’s skirts at a shopping center. This discovery led to a deeper investigation that revealed thousands of images and videos on his computer, showing Gisele in an unconscious state being sexually assaulted. The horror didn’t stop there; Pelicot had also enlisted numerous men through a forum to participate in the abuse, providing them with specific instructions to ensure his wife remained unaware.

The trial, which began on September 2, 2024, in Avignon, France, has brought to light the extent of Pellicott’s crimes. Prosecutors allege that Giselle was sexually assaulted at least 92 times by 72 different individuals, many of whom are now on trial alongside Pellicott. The case has also uncovered potential abuse against Pellicott’s daughter and daughters-in-law, adding another layer of betrayal and horror to this already tragic story.

Giselle, who had been experiencing memory loss and physical symptoms, was unaware of the assaults and had been seeking medical help, thinking she was suffering from a mental or physical ailment. The abuse has left her with severe physical and psychological scars, including multiple sexually transmitted diseases. Despite the option for a private trial, Giselle chose to make the proceedings public to raise awareness and ensure that events like these never happen again.

This case has sparked broader conversations about domestic violence, consent, and the legal framework in France. In 2019, the country launched the Grenelle roundtable, a nationwide debate on conjugal violence, which led to the implementation of 30 measures to combat violence against women. The Pellicott case has further highlighted the issue of chemical submission and the need for societal reevaluation of attitudes towards consent and abuse.

If you or someone you know are a victim of sexual assault, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to 

RAINN | The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization

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As the trial continues, it serves as a stark reminder of the long-lasting damage caused by such crimes and the importance of legal and societal reforms to protect victims. Tune in to our latest episode to hear the full story and stay updated on the ongoing trial.

Listen now to understand the depth of Dominique Pelicot’s betrayal and the broader implications for domestic violence laws in France. This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about justice, consent, and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

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