“It's not completely surprising that your memories come back afterwards.” Behind his little blue glasses, forensic doctor Benoît Suply tries to reassure the frightened teenager in front of him. Victim of a sexual assault a few days ago, the young woman filed a complaint via her father. It is now time for her to have her after-effects noted, within the medico-judicial unit (UMJ) of Lorient hospital.
“As objective as possible”
It is in this service that victims of violence, whatever they may be: domestic, sexual, psychological, road, etc., always after a complaint has been filed and at the request of the prosecutor. In his examination room, Benoît Suply strives to be “as objective as possible” to draw up a medical certificate, which will then be sent to the courts. He notes the mental and psychological injuries and assesses whether they are consistent with the victim's story. “You have to know how to take the time because we don't have information in 30 seconds, any more than we undress people that quickly,” emphasizes the doctor.
After a medical examination, the teenager is sent to the nurse's office. “It’s not insignificant what you experienced,” says Aurélie Canevet-Ballot in a soft voice. You absolutely have to be able to talk about it. » The caregiver offers her an appointment, a little later, with one of the psychologists at the UMJ. The young woman nods shyly.
The service's two psychologists specialize in psychotrauma. “We try to see the victims as close as possible to the traumatic event, to reabsorb or integrate the trauma,” explains Solène Mauras, psychologist. Consultations are free and can last several months or even a year. “It is very important for people to go through the UMJ because they are recognized in their status as victims. For some, it’s a wake-up call,” she notes. Many have symptoms of post-traumatic stress: anxiety, hypervigilance, nightmares, etc.
This Friday, November 22, 2024, the day of our visit, the victims parade through the service. Normally, everyone comes by appointment, but there are also unforeseen events. At the secretariat, Christelle Gouëlo holds the tide as best she can to carry out her mission: finding slots to accommodate all the people. “I receive calls and emails from the OPJ (editor’s note: judicial police officers) and victims,” she explains. A daily whirlwind in which the UMJ team strives to heal visible wounds and those we cannot see.
Practical
On this international day to combat violence against women, a call to demonstrate was launched this Monday, at 6 p.m., Place Aristide-Briand, by several organizations and unions: Nous Tous 56, the PCF, La France Insoumise, the NPA, Solidaires, FSU, CGT and UCL. As a reminder, one in two women have already suffered sexual violence in France. In 91% of cases, victims know their attacker.
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