"I'm going forward"

Maria* is a Colombian woman who was pack-raped while unconscious.

Trigger Warning: this story contains information about sexual assault and/or violence which may be triggering to people who have similar experiences.

They gave me a drink, and they were people I didn't think would do that to me. After the drink I was unconscious.

When I woke up, I woke up undressed, I don't know how many people had passed over me.

In the hospital I couldn't sleep, I was always crying. I chose MSF, because they were very discreet and I felt safer.

Now I am better. Even after what has happened, I can almost say that I am the same person I was. I don't need that memory anymore.

I thought that I couldn't get over it, but thanks to God my fear is gone.

I'm going forward, and I thought that I didn't have a life anymore, but yes, I do.

* The victim’s name has been changed to protect her privacy.


Quick Facts: Tumaco Violence Project

  • Increased violence in urban areas
  • MSF offers comprehensive mental health and medical care to victims of sexual violence in Tumaco municipality
  • 240 victims of sexual violence received support from MSF in 2015
  • 4,358 mental health consultations, including 1,505 new cases, in 2015

 


Stories from patients