Introduction to Caroline Darian’s Journey

On March 18, 2025, Caroline Darian’s memoir I’ll Never Call Him Dad Again made its U.S. debut, revealing a deeply personal narrative about betrayal, survival, and the fight for accountability. As the daughter of Gisèle Pelicot, who attracted international attention during a public trial against her husband, Dominique Pelicot, Darian advocates for sexual assault survivors globally.

Activism and Advocacy

Darian’s activism blossomed from her own experiences and the traumatic journey of her family. She founded the movement Don’t Put Me Under (#MendorsPas), aiming to highlight issues of chemical submission and empower rape victims within the criminal justice system. Recent developments saw her filing a complaint against her father, alleging that he had also assaulted her, highlighted by troubling evidence found on his computer.

Excerpt from the Memoir

The following excerpt sheds light on Darian’s ongoing struggle and emotional turmoil:

Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020

“Mum and I are becoming distant. It’s inconceivable for her that I too might have been one of my father’s victims… Officially, nothing indicates that I was a victim of chemical submission. Nothing proves I’d been touched in any way, let alone raped. But I find no peace of mind in the absence of proof.”

This reflects her internal conflict as she seeks to confront her past while grappling with her mother’s denial.

Confronting Family Dynamics

Darian also shares poignant moments with her son, Tom, and her mother, demonstrating the profound impact of her father’s actions on their familial bonds:

“For the first time in his life, Tom will not spend Christmas surrounded by his grandparents and all his cousins… I announce a symbolic decision: to free him from this curse, I’m going to change one of my son’s middle names—Dominique.”

Emotional Toll and Resilience

Throughout her narrative, Darian emphasizes the emotional toll of her father’s manipulation and the healing journey she grapples with:

“Tears have become our default language, because what we’re going through is beyond words.”

This raw honesty paints a vivid picture of her pain but also illustrates her resilience in the face of adversity.

A Stand Against Manipulation

In the memoir, Darian discusses her father’s attempts to sow confusion and discord within the family. In a significant moment, she asserts her determination with a powerful declaration:

“You’re dead to me. Definitively.”

Conclusion

Caroline Darian’s memoir is more than just a personal account; it is a clarion call for those affected by sexual violence. Her story not only highlights the complexities of family betrayal but serves as an encouragement to others to speak out and seek justice. As Darian continues her battle for accountability, her resilience offers hope and strength to survivors worldwide.