Two and a half months after the sentencing of her father, Dominique Pelicot, Caroline Darian has bravely shared her story and insights on France Inter to promote her new book, 'Pour que l’on se souvienne' (So That We Remember), which hits shelves on March 5, 2025. Dominique Pelicot was found guilty of drugging and raping his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, and has been implicated in the abuse of numerous men who, at her husband’s behest, violated her for over ten years. With the release of her book, Caroline hopes to shed light on the longstanding trauma faced by victims and their families.
During her February 4 interview with journalist Sonia Devillers, Caroline Darian revealed the deep struggles she faces within her family, particularly her troubled relationship with her mother. "Ma mère ne veut pas me croire. Ma mère ne veut pas m'entendre," Caroline stated firmly, expressing her pain at her mother's disbelief about the allegations against her father. This heart-wrenching admission underlines not only her personal grief but also speaks to the systemic issues surrounding recognition of abuse within families. "Ce n'est pas qu'elle ne veut pas, c'est qu'elle ne peut pas," Caroline explained, indicating her mother's psychological limitations in facing the reality of her father’s actions.
Caroline, who describes her father as "one of the greatest sexual predators France has known," believes it is important to address not only her own trauma but also the broader systemic nature of familial abuse. Her conviction is fierce: "Oui, le parcours criminel de Dominique Pelicot n'a pas commencé en 2011 avec ma mère. Le parcours et la trajectoire de Dominique Pelicot ont commencé bien avant, dans les années 90." This declaration establishes the lengthy history of abuse and highlights the need for greater attention to early signs and societal reactions to such patterns.
Her book recounts harrowing details, including the Avignon trial and her sentiments about being overlooked amid the chaos of the legal proceedings: "Je me considère comme la grande oubliée de ce procès," Caroline wrote, emphasizing her feelings of abandonment and invisibility. She reveals chilling memories and clues from her father's past, including two photos she discovered on his computer, which raised suspicions about her own experiences of being abused. Caroline states, “I know I was sedated to be abused by my father. But I cannot prove it.” This haunting reflection echoes the struggles many face when trying to recount their victimization, especially when memories and evidence may clash.
Published by JC Lattès and priced at 19.90 €, 'Pour que l’on se souvienne' extends beyond personal narrative to address societal issues surrounding sexual violence and the chemical submission – the very tool used to suppress victims' abilities to testify against their abusers. This book showcases Caroline’s efforts not only to heal her wounds but also to advocate against the silent suffering endured by many. "I must advance through this absolute drama of silence and the doubts looming," she expressed, noting the heavy burden she bears as she strives for recognition and support for those who have faced similar grievances.
Despite substantial evidence showcased during the trial, including images of Caroline unconscious and dressed inadequately, she still fought for validation. "Without Dominique Pelicot's admissions, I will remain with this absolute doubt," Caroline lamented. Her determination not to let her story be silenced reflects her wider advocacy work. Caroline founded the association '#MendorsPas: Stop à la soumission chimique' to combat the normalization of chemical submission and advocate for the rights of victims trapped by their own memories.
For Caroline, seeing her father again after many years was a bitter pill to swallow. "I felt immense sadness and resentment at the sight of such waste," she revealed, expressing the complicated feelings of having to reconcile familial ties with the horrors of his actions. Recalling her past, she described how her life altered drastically post-2020, saying, "I manage a very heavy heirloom from my parentage. For me, it is as if my father died back then. But my mother sees things differently. Gisèle continues to rebuild as best as she can. I’m on another path." Caroline’s resilience, even among paternal shadows, aims to provide solace and hope for all victims facing similar battles.
Through her compelling narrative, Caroline Darian urges society to break its silence around sexual violence and chemical submission, blending her personal odyssey with broader advocacy goals. Her story, both harrowing and empowering, promises to leave readers reflecting on the complex interplay of trauma, family, and the courage to fight for truth and justice.