Traumatized, the Gatinois couple attacked in Panama rests in the country

It has now been a month since Geneviève “Jaja” Plouffe and Martin Audette returned to Gatineau.

After being attacked in Panama at the end of October while traveling in a converted bus, they are now taking the time to recover from their trauma.

Their daily life boils down to see family, friends, wake up, shower, have coffee, and restlists Jaja. I don't even have the energy to go for a walk. […] It's not me, it's not us, it's sad.

Geneviève knows: the healing will be long. My father always told me that time will make things right, but for how long? says the Gatinoise woman impatiently.

Her partner Martin makes the same observation. I have one left couple cracked ribs. It heals over timehe said. We have good days, then there are some that are more difficult than others. What is most difficult is to dealer with the shock.

We Canadian men are supposed to be strong and put it inside… That's not the solution. Talking about it helps.

The couple called on a psychologist from El Salvador to help them through this ordeal.

Here, going to see a psychologist is impossible. You're going to have an appointment in three months, in four months…regrets Geneviève. This is the reason why we went to El Salvador, after Panama, to get help.

Support from those around you

The couple can also count on the support of their family and friends. Emotions are high. The wave of love we receive is exceptionalsaid Jaja, a tremor in his voice.

Finding the family after two and a half years, the emotion is strongadds Martin. The family too, they had a lot of anger not only for what happened, but also because they are here, I don't know, 5000 km from the rest of us, and they can't do anything… Simply, he doesn't there is nothing to do.

Since their return, Geneviève and Martin have been living with a close friend. Because there is life, because we don't just find each otherexplains Geneviève. In the morning, she has her coffee, she has a little boy of 11 years old, so it's funit feels good.

The couple plans to stay in the country for a few more weeks before returning to El Salvador, notably for medical help, psychological and psychiatric help, and because of temperatureexplains Geneviève. After more than two years outside the country, winter conditions are hard to bear, she adds.

Legal proceedings

In a written response, Global Affairs Canada indicates that it is aware of the event concerning the two Canadians, but does not want to comment on the case for confidentiality reasons. Canadian authorities specify that consular officers in Panama are in contact with local authorities and providing assistance.

On the advice of the Canadian Embassy in Panama, the couple hired a lawyer, hoping that their case would be heard. The case is being handled by the criminal justice system, they explain.

Let them find the guilty, let them be condemnedwishes Martin.

A few weeks ago, two criminals decided to collaborate with the police, according to Geneviève. On December 16, we were asked to [venir] for identificationindicates the Gatinoise. The couple said they refused because plane tickets were too expensive at this time of year.

Martin also hopes the owner of where they were parked will be held accountable.

Without insurance, the couple says they exceeded the $40,000 to $50,000 in hospital and lawyer fees.

- attempted to contact police authorities in Panama, but had received no response at the time of publishing this text.

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Getting back on the road… differently

As soon as their vehicle is repaired, Geneviève and Martin plan to go and collect it.

We won't have a choice, it's our houserecalls Jaja.

As for traveling again? Yes, but differentlysupports Geneviève. We still have a passion for travel, […] there are always fears that are there now, new fears that were not there before, that we must heal.

Instead of fighting with them, I would have opened the door and let them in, saying, “Don't hurt my dog, don't rape my wife, take what you want, and then go.” -en”, because what I'm going through is not worth it, it's not worth the computer, the camera bag that they stole from us. By reflex, you want to defend yourself, but it's not the right thingbelieves Martin.

And the Gatineau resident reminds everyone to travel intelligently. Advice also given by Global Affairs Canada.

With information from Anne-Charlotte Carignan