By publicly recounting having been drugged without her knowledge on the sidelines of the Aquatic Worlds in Budapest, athlete Mary-Sophie Harvey is certainly helping other victims who tend to experience this trauma in silence.
Thanks to the testimony of the medalist, injured in multiple places during an episode of four to six hours of which she has no memory, other victims will be able to realize that the gesture should not be trivialized.
It also makes you realize that it can happen to anyone, even model personalities, and in any circumstances.
The athlete was not alone, during this evening of June 25 where she was drugged. She was in the company of other swimmers, including one who, worried regarding her absence, found her in the street in a sorry state.
shame and guilt
Speakers also explained to the Journal, this week, that having been drugged without knowing it often causes lingering trauma. We must seek help, without hesitation.
But in reality, the victims will often feel guilty and ashamed of what happened to them, especially since they do not remember what happened. In such circumstances, we quickly imagine the worst, we wonder if we have been sexually assaulted. It is the horror.
Ms. Harvey also lifts the veil on the lack of resources available to victims. Upon her return to Montreal, the swimmer from Trois-Rivières appealed to the Center for assistance for victims of sexual assault (CAVAS) of Montreal. She was referred to a specialized clinic.
Due to the delays in getting even a return call, she felt helpless and left behind. And for good reason. In such situations, the victims must already muster all their courage to ask for help. They should therefore be taken care of immediately. You have to see it.
