Marc… are you okay?
Pete… I didn't even know where to kiss her, her face is so bruised. Everywhere…
Oh God… how awful… Were you able to talk to her at all?
I talked to her, but I don't even know if she understood that I was there. Her eyes… they're completely empty. She isn't even crying.
So you still don't know what happened?
No… She took blows to the face, to the stomach. Apparently she was slammed violently against a wall. She fought back like a fury. She has defensive injuries all over her forearms, her hands. She gave everything she had. They said she was incredible.
We couldn't expect anything less from her… There was no violence… I mean… you know what I mean?
No. He didn't touch her. But only because he didn't have time. Can you imagine if…
No. I'm not imagining something that didn't happen, Marc. And you need to do the same, or you're going to lose your mind. Do you hear me?
Yes… yes… but I want to know who did this. We need to wait for the police.
Marc?
Eli, I'm here!
Listen, we can go home now. They've just given her something to sleep, she'll be calm. She'll rest, she won't be in pain.
No, I'm staying.
Marc, there's no point. There's nothing you can do for her right now. She'll need you tomorrow when she wakes up and everything comes flooding back. Tomorrow and the days after are what will be hard. We need to be in shape so we can take turns staying with her.
Do we know more about who did this?
Marc… listen… It was Stephane.
**********
Good morning, may I stay in her room until she wakes up?
Yes, of course. I just need to change her IV and take her blood pressure.
She's so calm after everything she's been through… it feels strange.
Look, she's moving. She's waking up slowly.
Hey… hi, sweetheart. How are you feeling?
…Help… help… let go of me…
Cathy, it's Marc! Calm down!
Let go of me, stop… help!
I'm going to give her a sedative. Try to hold her.
No, please, no. Wait! I'll calm her, don't give her anything, please. Cathy, it's Marc. Listen to my voice, listen to me. You're safe, you're in the hospital. He can't hurt you anymore. Listen to me. Everything is okay. He's gone. You're safe.
…
Listen to my voice, sweetheart. It's Marc. Everything is okay. I'm here.
…
Yes, that's it… look around you. See? You're in a hospital room. I'm right here next to you. You're not alone anymore. You did it, Cathy. He's gone. The police arrested him. Focus on my voice. I'm here. Everything is okay.
It's over…?
Yes, my love. He's in custody. He can't touch you anymore. You're safe.
Marc?
Yes, it's me. I'm here. Shhh… everything's fine. I'm going to call your parents.
Stay. Stay please. Hold me…
Yes, calm down. I'll stay. The nurse will let your parents know. Wait, I'll help you sit up… come here… I'm afraid of hurting you.
Hold me please. I don't care if it hurts.
Cry, sweetheart… don't hold it in. I'm here now. I'm protecting you. Even if it's too late… I'm here with you.
…
Miss, the police have arrived and would like to question you. Do you feel able to speak with them?
…
Cathy, don't be afraid. I'm here. We can wait for your parents if you want.
No… it's okay. Stay with me.
Would you like to eat something first?
No, I don't feel like it… my stomach hurts a bit.
That's from the medication.
Miss, we are very sorry for what happened to you, but we need to question you as soon as possible to understand exactly what occurred.
He's in jail?
He's in police custody. He can't come near you. You're safe.
What did he say?
We can't give you his statement. We need to hear yours first, even though the medical report is already very clear. Can you describe the events in detail and the time?
It's violent to ask her this when she's barely out of shock! Can't you leave her alone for a day or two?
I'm sorry, sir, but no. It's not to torment her; it's to prevent him from doing this again to another woman.
You can do it. Given how you fought yesterday… and today, I'm here. You're not alone anymore.
Your boyfriend is right. You defended yourself very well. That's why the security officers found you in time. Take your time. We'll take breaks if needed.
Okay.
So please tell us everything from the beginning.
Well… I was at my friend Melanie's place, and I received a text from Stephane Balert, my ex. He asked me to meet him in the park to talk. He said he wanted to apologize.
How long were you in a relationship with him?
It's been almost seven months since we broke up. We were together for six months.
How did he know you were available to meet him in the park?
I… I don't know. He must have assumed I was at home working.
They live in the same building, her and her friend.
Very well. Continue.
Melanie didn't want me to go because… the breakup didn't go well.
What do you mean?
Things weren't good anymore. We argued about jealousy, and I ended the relationship. Then I started seeing Marc, so there was never any going back.
Had he ever been violent with you before?
No. Never.
Yes. Please, Catherine. You can't say that.
No, Marc. He was never violent.
Miss, what are you referring to?
Nothing serious…
Yes. She's minimizing it. One evening at her place, he was very insistent despite her refusals. She was afraid. That is a form of violence.
Miss, your boyfriend is right. What exactly happened?
Exactly… nothing. I scared myself…
No, Cathy. He scared you, and not for no reason.
Please let her speak.
We were supposed to go out as usual, and I suggested dinner at my place. I cooked… and then he crossed a line.
How so?
He started touching me… not the way I wanted.
Without your consent?
Yes… but we were a couple. Do you need permission?
Cathy, stop…
Miss… whether you're a couple or not, consent is mandatory. Kissing or touching you without your agreement is not okay.
Then yes… he touched me without my consent. I pushed him away. I said no several times. I had to scream for him to let go and to get out of his arms.
Then what happened?
He got angry. Very violent verbally. I told him to leave. After that… I broke down. I was shaking. I called my best friend.
So you talked about it right away?
Yes.
But you didn't file a complaint?
No! He hadn't really done anything, if you think about it…
He forced unwanted touching on you. And your reaction shows that you understood the danger.
Yes… maybe. And when I broke up with him, he told me he was the one who decided… that we'd see each other again. Then nothing until yesterday.
Very well. Let's continue. He texts you, you agree to see him, you go to the park.
Yes… so it's my fault then!
Cathy! No. Nothing is your fault. You thought you could trust him.
He's right. You are the victim.
At first we talked calmly. Then he became aggressive. He blamed Marc for everything, and I eventually said I was leaving…
Go on.
…
Cathy? Do you want to take a break?
No. I'll continue. We were walking… I wasn't paying attention. He… he knew where he was taking me. When I tried to leave, I realized I didn't even know where I was. I panicked for a few seconds. And then he grabbed me. He forced me into… a building. I don't know what it was.
Abandoned hangars.
He slammed me against the wall. He tried to kiss me. I screamed, I fought back, but… he was stronger.
That's normal. There was nothing you could do.
He slapped me. Several times. Very hard. I was bleeding. Then he tried to tear my clothes off. I hit him. I kicked. I think I bit him.
And each time… he hit me again. I tried to get out. So someone could see me. But he threw me to the ground. My head hit something. It hurt so much… I thought I was going to pass out. Then… nothing.
The security agents intervened.
Yes… I heard voices. I panicked. I struggled when they touched me. I thought it was him.
No. It was the security team. The cameras detected movement and they suspected drug trafficking. They found you while he was beating you.
Oh… I hope I didn't hit a paramedic…
Your reaction saved you. You only have superficial injuries because you resisted. You avoided the worst.
I was just… afraid.
The important thing is that he was arrested. You are safe. Thank you for your statement. We wish you a speedy recovery.
Well done, my love. You were incredible. I'll remember never to make you angry when we argue.
Marc… take me home.
Not today. You'll stay under observation today and probably tomorrow. I'll take you home after.
I don't want to stay here…
I know. But I'll stay with you as much as I can.