MELBOURNE, Australia — Supporters of Gisèle Pelicot in Australia expressed their deep gratitude after the French victim in a well-publicized drugging and rape case wore a scarf featuring Aboriginal artwork in acknowledgment of her far-flung admirers.
The 72-year-old Pelicot made headlines by refusing anonymity, boldly displaying the silk scarf during her trial in Avignon. Her courage was evident when 51 men were found guilty and sentenced for sexually assaulting her after she had been incapacitated by her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot.
The ruling, delivered recently, garnered international attention, prompting both public and political figures to commend Pelicot for her bravery and the light she shed on the issue of sexual violence against women.
“Shame must change sides. Thank you, Gisèle Pelicot!” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked on the social platform X. He praised her for stepping out of the shadows and fighting for justice, empowering women globally.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser mirrored this sentiment, emphasizing how often victims face disbelief or blame. Her comments highlighted Pelicot’s role in inspiring others to confront their experiences with violence, adding that shame should lie solely with the perpetrators.
The Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also joined in, lauding Pelicot for her exemplary dignity throughout the harrowing process.
News coverage surged in the United Kingdom, where images of Pelicot decorated front pages, with many outlets celebrating her strength and courage. One publication even labeled her the “World’s Bravest Woman.”
The Daily Mail dedicated extensive coverage, with columnist Sarah Vine acknowledging Pelicot as woman of the year for her fearless actions against her abusive husband.
Pelicot’s significant gesture of solidarity was underscored by the scarf, which cost approximately 220 Australian dollars ($137). It was donated by the Older Women’s Network, a rights advocacy group based in Sydney. Its CEO, Yumi Lee, expressed her astonishment and gratitude for Pelicot accepting the scarf.
Lee explained that her organization, composed of 1,000 members advocating against sexual violence in New South Wales, raised funds to purchase the scarf as a display of support while acknowledging the distances involved, with Avignon being over 17,000 kilometers (11,000 miles) away.
Pelicot’s adamant belief that “shame has to change sides” has empowered many victims to realize that they too can take a stand, according to Lee. She highlighted Pelicot’s success in proving that sexual assault transcends age and demographics.
Surprisingly, Pelicot’s attorney contacted Lee’s organization to confirm that she had received the scarf and expressed interest in the significance of its First Nations design.
The distinguished scarf features artwork by Indigenous artist Mulyatingki Marney, illustrating healing saltwater pools located on Marney’s ancestral land. The retailer, One of Twelve, emphasizes artistic representation from the Asia-Pacific region and supports artists through royalties from their products.
Lee shared that the selection was intentional due to the scarf’s vibrant design and the powerful narrative it offers regarding healing.
Anna Saboisky, the owner of One of Twelve, expressed astonishment at the sudden surge of interest Pelicot’s story has generated for their scarves, noting that a second print run has nearly sold out, with more on the way.
“Since I woke up this morning, I’ve had about 20 orders placed online,” Saboisky remarked, acknowledging the overwhelming response for their small business.
If travel were feasible, Lee asserted, her group would have been there to rally support in person.
— The report has been updated to confirm that Gisèle Pelicot is 72 years old.
