Caroline Darian, daughter of Dominique Pelicot, made headlines today as she spoke candidly about her traumatic experiences during her appearance on BFMTV-RMC on March 13, 2025. She described herself as "an invisible victim" and revealed her recently filed complaints against her father for serious charges, including "rape and attempted rape," "sexual assault," and "administration of substance of nature to alter judgment to commit rape and/or sexual assault" along with allegations of "endangering others."
Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to 20 years in prison for horrific crimes involving his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, which involved drugging and permitting her to be sexually assaulted by numerous strangers for over ten years. This shocking case, known as the Mazan rapes, drew international attention and raised awareness about the issue of chemical submission.
Now three months after her father's sensational trial, Caroline Darian articulated her pain and demands for justice. "I have been invisibleized in this case. It’s terrible; the justice owes me something," she stressed during the lively interview. Caroline expressed the difficulties of rebuilding her life when she still seeks answers linked to her father's actions and their pervasive impact. "I need to obtain answers because things have happened over decades," she implored.
During the court proceedings, Caroline asserted her belief of having also been sexually abused by her father. She pointed out the discovery of disturbing photos, featuring her sedated and unconscious. "I know I'm not sleeping in those pictures" she claimed, firmly asserting the need to confront her father's dark deeds. "Until Dominique is faced with tangible truth, he will not talk," she added, labeling his actions as systemic deceit.
Caroline’s fight for acknowledgment of her suffering highlights deep familial wounds. Describing her relationship with her mother, Gisèle, Caroline noted the struggles brought on by the trial. "My mother decided to live this trial alone...I’ve respected it, but the question of incest is hard for her to hear. She went through so much already," Caroline recounted, illustrating the emotional trauma affecting their relationship. Indeed, communication between the two women has become sparse and strained.
Despite her tumultuous past, Caroline reflected on her mother’s bravery during the recent trial. “I am proud of what my mother has done during these four months of trial. She faced her aggressors. I don’t know many women who would have been able to do this," she stated, acknowledging Gisèle's resilience against overwhelming odds amid unprecedented difficulty. Caroline's poignant remarks encapsulated the family’s struggle to navigate the aftermath of the horrifying events.
Caroline has opted not to attend the upcoming appeals process for her father and acknowledges the complex dynamics present within her family. "The first trial was about our family. This appeal is distinctly about my mother. We have no legitimacy to be there," she expressed. This decision indicates the careful separation she is trying to navigate between her parents' issues and her own personal healing.
Tension between the sense of familial loyalty and the quest for personal justice lies at the heart of Caroline Darian’s narrative. Her filing of complaints against her father signifies her bold stand against silence and invisibility of victims. "I hope this complaint will be taken seriously, is it not too late?" she questioned, pressing her inquiries of justice forward.
With her upcoming book titled "So That We Remember" aiming to shed more light on her experiences and the broader plight of victims, Caroline's efforts reflect not just personal aspirations for closure but represent the voices of countless survivors striving to rise above their trauma. Despite the challenging path remaining, she encourages others to persist, advocating, "We must never give up.”