A Frenchman has been accused of drugging his wife and inviting 72 men to rape her. Dominique Pelicot, a 71-year-old father-of-three, is facing trial for the crimes, which allegedly took place over two decades ago.
According to experts, Pelicot’s actions were driven by a desire for somnophilia, a fetish involving sex with an unconscious person. The case has exposed a darker side of human nature, with many people unaware that this type of behavior exists.
“We don’t talk about this at the dinner table,” said Serena Simmons, a psychologist who has studied Pelicot’s case. “There are huge dark figures out there who engage in this type of activity.”
The investigation revealed that Pelicot had been drugging his wife since 1999 and had been inviting men to rape her as far back as 2020. He was arrested after a security guard at a supermarket persuaded a woman to report him for upskirting.
Pelicot’s behavior is seen as a prime example of obsessive planning, with experts noting that the meticulous detail in his actions suggests a level of refinement and calculation.
However, psychologist Serena Simmons cautions against labeling people who commit crimes. “There’s a tendency to label people who commit criminal acts, but we forget that sometimes people are just bad,” she said.
The case has raised awareness about somnophilia and the need for support services for victims of domestic abuse. Women’s Aid has provided advice on how to get help, including calling 999 in an emergency or reaching out to charities like SupportLine.
As the trial unfolds, France is grappling with the shocking reality of a mass rape case that highlights the darker side of human nature.
Source: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/32225866/dominique-pelicot-rape-wife-gisele-women