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Saturday, Dec 13, 2025
Outside the box.
Impact of Online Pornography on Sexual Abuse: The Case of Gisèle Pelicot
Caroline Darian highlights the role of online pornography in the abuse suffered by her mother during a book festival in Wales.
Caroline Darian has raised concerns about the influence of online pornography on the sexual abuse endured by her mother, Gisèle Pelicot.
At the Hay-on-Wye book festival in Powys, Darian contended that the existence of online pornography contributed to her mother being raped more than 200 times by various men.
She emphasized that societal issues such as online porn can precipitate incidents of abuse, describing it as integral to a culture of misogyny and violence.
Dominique Pelicot, Gisèle's ex-husband, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of drugging and raping his wife, as well as facilitating other men to assault her in their French home over a decade.
In a significant move, Gisèle Pelicot chose to waive her right to anonymity during the trial, stating that she wanted the public nature of the proceedings to encourage a shift in societal perceptions of shame.
During the festival, Darian discussed her experiences and her ongoing battle for justice, which includes pressing charges against her father after discovering photographs of herself taken without her knowledge.
She expressed distrust in her mother's initial responses to her own claims of abuse, describing their relationship as irrevocably damaged due to what she considers her mother's denial.
At 46 years old, Darian has characterized her father as a dangerous predator and alleged that he has numerous unreported victims.
She brought forth evidence in court, including photographs that she claimed were taken while she was unconscious, adding weight to her accusations of being drugged and assaulted.
In her recent book, "I’ll Never Call Him Dad Again," Darian discusses the trauma of her childhood and her desire for men to engage in conversations about pornography as a way to combat systemic issues of violence against women.
Her comments reflect a broader dialogue on the cultural implications of pornography in relation to sexual abuse and misogyny.
The trial held in Avignon last autumn brought to light the complexities of familial relationships marred by abuse and the struggles of survivors in seeking justice against their perpetrators.
Following the verdict, Darian has been vocal about her experiences, addressing issues of victimhood and the necessity for acknowledgment and support within societal frameworks to prevent cycles of abuse.
At the Hay-on-Wye book festival in Powys, Darian contended that the existence of online pornography contributed to her mother being raped more than 200 times by various men.
She emphasized that societal issues such as online porn can precipitate incidents of abuse, describing it as integral to a culture of misogyny and violence.
Dominique Pelicot, Gisèle's ex-husband, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of drugging and raping his wife, as well as facilitating other men to assault her in their French home over a decade.
In a significant move, Gisèle Pelicot chose to waive her right to anonymity during the trial, stating that she wanted the public nature of the proceedings to encourage a shift in societal perceptions of shame.
During the festival, Darian discussed her experiences and her ongoing battle for justice, which includes pressing charges against her father after discovering photographs of herself taken without her knowledge.
She expressed distrust in her mother's initial responses to her own claims of abuse, describing their relationship as irrevocably damaged due to what she considers her mother's denial.
At 46 years old, Darian has characterized her father as a dangerous predator and alleged that he has numerous unreported victims.
She brought forth evidence in court, including photographs that she claimed were taken while she was unconscious, adding weight to her accusations of being drugged and assaulted.
In her recent book, "I’ll Never Call Him Dad Again," Darian discusses the trauma of her childhood and her desire for men to engage in conversations about pornography as a way to combat systemic issues of violence against women.
Her comments reflect a broader dialogue on the cultural implications of pornography in relation to sexual abuse and misogyny.
The trial held in Avignon last autumn brought to light the complexities of familial relationships marred by abuse and the struggles of survivors in seeking justice against their perpetrators.
Following the verdict, Darian has been vocal about her experiences, addressing issues of victimhood and the necessity for acknowledgment and support within societal frameworks to prevent cycles of abuse.
