In Part 1 of Gisèle Pelicot’s story, she spoke to Davina about her life before the world knew her name, the marriage she believed she had, and the moment she began to discover the truth of what had happened to her.
This is Part 2 of Gisèle Pelicot’s story on Begin Again.
Gisèle opens up about the public and private aftermath of the case, the impact on her children, and the pain of having to tell her family that their lives had changed forever.
Gisèle reflects on why she chose to waive her right to anonymity, what it meant to let the world know her name, and why speaking publicly became a way to help other women feel less alone. She talks about the trial, the women who wrote to her, the strength she found in their support, and the responsibility she felt to challenge the shame too often carried by victims.
Davina and Gisèle also speak about rebuilding after trauma: staying connected to her family, finding love again, learning to trust, processing anger, and holding on to hope without denying the pain of what happened.
This episode includes discussion of sexual assault, drugging, trauma, court proceedings, and abuse, which some viewers may find difficult. Please watch with care.
At its heart, Part 2 is a conversation about courage, justice, love, and the power of refusing to carry shame that was never yours.
Gisèle Pelicot reminds us that speaking the truth can help others feel less alone, and that beginning again can also mean standing up, not only for yourself, but for every woman who has been taught to stay silent.
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Buy ‘A Hymn to Life’ here:Exclusive discount code for Gisèle’s audiobook can be found here:
Hardback:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hymn-Life-Shame-Change-Sides/dp/184792896X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.pKtWbZhPB1Me57eLekSRlRNTiKNoYduQoXz3CqbwwvY.6BNLixMym6UnLPYhwlSkqOF7fhXDf1AKLW_mmcGaeSM&qid=1781522906&sr=8-1
Audiobook (read by Emma Thompson):
https://open.spotify.com/show/1Gy9pylmMgYWm6zOvcvv6Y?si=d3f1f19009134671
✨ Exclusive discount code for Gisèle’s audiobook can be found here for A HYMN TO LIFE by Gisele Pelicot exclusively for Begin Again
(this offer is valid until 1st July 2026)
To claim your exclusive £9.99 audiobook of for A Hymn To Life, enter Y9DMKZKJ572HM at checkout on Google Play by 1st July. UK and Ireland only. Redemption link: https://play.google.com/redeem?code=Y9DMKZKJ572HM
✨Sign up for the Begin Again newsletter for all your behind the scenes access, recommendations and much much more at: https://linkly.link/2g2xm
(00:00) Do Health Ad
(01:11) Episode Introduction
(01:42) Part 1 Recap
(02:29) Gisele Explains Why She Thinks It Was Hard For Some People To Believe Her Story, But Also How It's Helped Others
(03:53) What It Was Like For Gisele To Tell Her Children What Their Father Had Done
(06:49) Why Gisele Continued To Live In The Same House And Sleep In The Same Bed
(09:09) Why Gisele Tries To Hold On To The Positives Despite Her Abuse
(09:44) Why Gisele Decided To Go Public Later In The Trial
(10:39) Gisele On Preparing To Face Her Attackers In Court And Watching The Videos Of Them Raping Her
(12:13) How Gisele Fell In Love Again After Her Traumatic Experience, And Her Continued Faith In Humanity
(13:55) Gisele On Wanting To Speak With Her Ex-Husband One Day
(14:40) How Happy Gisele Is That Her Relationship With Her Children Is Repairing
(15:49) Why Gisele's Lack Of Memory Of Her Attacks Makes Things Easier For Her
(17:46) Davina Emphasises The Importance Of Gisele's Book
(18:42) Davina Thanks Gisele For Her Bravery In Telling Her Story
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