In a heartfelt gesture, Queen Camilla of Great Britain has written a personal letter to Gisèle Pelicot, the Frenchwoman who gained international recognition through the Avignon rape trial. The Queen, known for her longstanding advocacy for victims of domestic and sexual abuse, expressed deep admiration for Pelicot’s resilience and bravery.
According to sources cited by Newsweek, Queen Camilla was profoundly moved by Pelicot’s unwavering dignity and courage throughout her legal battle. Buckingham Palace emphasized the significance of Pelicot’s stance, quoting the Queen’s remarks: “Why should she feel like a victim or hide in shame?”
Gisèle Pelicot, now 72, endured years of abuse at the hands of her husband, who repeatedly drugged her and facilitated her assault by dozens of strangers. Determined to shed light on the horrific ordeal, Pelicot insisted that the trial be held publicly, advocating for a societal shift in perception with her powerful plea that “shame change sides.”
Her persistence led to a landmark legal case in December, culminating in the conviction of her ex-husband and 50 other defendants, all of whom received prison sentences. Pelicot’s courage has since garnered widespread recognition, with a petition to nominate her for the Nobel Peace Prize amassing over 173,000 signatures. Further solidifying her influence, Time magazine honored her as Woman of the Year 2025.
Queen Camilla’s letter serves as a testament to the global impact of Pelicot’s story, reinforcing the importance of advocacy and justice for survivors of abuse. Her recognition by the British royal underscores the collective responsibility to challenge societal norms and support those who bravely stand against violence.
Source:https://de.nachrichten.yahoo.com/
