Women’s Aid partners on Gisèle Pelicot’s memoir A Hymn to Life – A Message of Hope for Domestic Abuse Survivors
“No hardship is insurmountable. I want people to take away a message of hope” – Gisèle Pelicot
We’re incredibly honoured to be partnering with Vintage on the publication of Gisèle Pelicot’s new memoir, A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides, where she shares her story.
Gisèle Pelicot’s remarkable strength and dignity in the face of unimaginable abuse has given hope and courage to countless women around the world.
Her decision to waive anonymity and demand accountability publicly in the face of unimaginable abuse, is an act of bravery that echoes profoundly for all survivors.
She reminds us that shame belongs solely to the perpetrators and that survivors can reclaim their voice and power. In every step of her journey, she shines a light on the systems and attitudes that have long kept survivors in the shadows.
At Women’s Aid, we have seen firsthand the toll such courage demands. We understand deeply how difficult it is for survivors to share their stories, let alone to do so publicly. Gisèle’s decision shifts the ground for others, inspiring a new path forward for women who may now feel empowered to seek justice and challenge the societal biases that compound their suffering.
Where you can find support
If you’ve experienced or are experiencing abuse, there are ways to get support.
- Find local support via the Women’s Aid Directory (www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/womens-aid-directory). This will locate a domestic abuse service in your area that can offer direct support.
- Find your local Rape Crisis centre via the Rape Crisis Directory (www.rapecrisis.org.uk/find-a-centre/). This will locate free support centres in your area which can offer direct support.
- Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (run by Refuge): Call 0808 2000 247. This is a free 24/7 support line. Or chat online at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/chat-to-us-online/
- Contact Rape Crisis’ Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line: Call 0808 500 2222 or chat online at 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk. These are free 24/7 support services.
- Visit Women’s Aid’s Survivors Forum (www.survivorsforum.womensaid.org.uk): a safe, anonymous, space for women (over 18) who have been affected by domestic abuse to talk to each other.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 999 or 999 BSL.
These services are available in the United Kingdom only. For a list of domestic and sexual violence helplines and services worldwide, visit the NO MORE Global Directory.
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