SHE described it as a living hell, trapped in a nightmare with a man who tormented her every day, controlling and abusing her until she could take no more.
After 25 years of being beaten, pimped out, and terrified for her life, she shot her husband in the back of the neck in front of two of her children – and then buried him with the kids’ help.
In the five years since Daniel Polette’s death, Valérie Bacot has become well known in France. She wrote a bestselling book, Tout le Monde Savait (“everyone knew”), about her trauma and has become a poster child for abused women.
But her suffering wasn’t enough to save her from going on trial for murder and her case made headlines day after day, sparking fierce debate about how the French legal system treats abused women.
Nearly a million people signed a petition for the charges to be dropped against Valérie (40), but prosecutors said she’d planned her husband’s murder because she admitted to trying to poison him earlier that day by crushing pills into his coffee.
After days of harrowing testimony, Valérie was found guilty and sentenced to four years in jail, three of them suspended.
But she was given clemency because of her long history of abuse and won’t spend a day in jail.
For Valérie, the verdict is bittersweet. She didn’t want to be incarcerated of course, but her life is so full of complexity and cruelty that she lives in her own private prison, haunted by memories of abuse and degradation.
And making it worse is the fact her own mother has always been more on Daniel’s side than hers.
This story is from the 22 July 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 22 July 2021 edition of YOU South Africa.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS
The king of pop's kids are a close-knit trio who guard their privacy fiercely
BARBIES ON THE GO!
Sending their dolls 'travelling' around the country started as way to escape everyday life during the pandemic and four years later they're still going strong
THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED
These musician decided to pack up their lives and trek across the country - with three kids in tow!
TALES FROM THE DIRECTOR'S CHAIR
After 40 years in Tinseltown, filmmaker Ed Zwick is spilling the beans about the stars with the biggest egos in his tell-all memoir - and he doesn't regret a thing
India's national election
SOUTH Africa isn't the only country holding an election this year - America and India, among others, are also heading to the polls. Most countries hold elections every five years, and it typically takes place one day before the votes are counted.
IS YOUR BRA HARMING YOUR HEALTH?
Wearing the wrong bra size can cause more than discomfort - a poor fit can lead to bigger problems
MY STORY IS ONE OF HOPE
She was born with a rare condition that affects her muscles but it hasn't stopped Kerry from getting a degree or writing a book
DEATH FROM ABOVE
Drones, like the one used to kill seven aid workers in Gaza, are becoming common in battlefields
FINALLY I'M FREE
IT STARTED innocently enough, with a Bible study group, scripture readings and prayers in the suburbs of Centu rion.
CONJOINED IN HOLY MATRIMONY
Abby and Brittany have again sparked public interest after Abby's 2021 wedding recently made headlines