What was intended as a simple routine gynecological examination had serious consequences for Laure Warda. When she inserted the speculum, the doctor was so harsh that the 32-year-old cried out in pain.
At the time of the Pap test, she didn’t dare tell him she was in a lot of pain. I know a pap test isn’t pleasant, but this was worse. I bled, she says.
“She really hurt me. It’s like I’m nailed to the table. »
— A quote from Laure Warda
Ms Warda then answered questions about her sexual health. She told the doctor that she had about ten sexual partners a year.
She looks at me and says, “You’re definitely busy.” I felt like garbage back then, there are no other words, says the young woman.
At the time of the crime, Laure Warda did not know what to call what she had experienced. At that time I was stunned. I put it in a drawer in my head with all the traumatic experiences we go through that we want to forget. I figured, never mind, this is happening.
She now knows that it was gynecological violence. There is no precise definition to describe this violence in very different forms. These are often gestures, words or practices that can have serious consequences for women.
“It was the lyrics that hurt me the most. The verdict I experienced made me very, very uncomfortable. »
— A quote from Laure Warda
Laure Warde tells what she experienced during a routine gynecological examination.
Photo: Radio Canada
After what she had experienced, Laure did not dare to undergo a gynecological examination for four years. It’s a place where women should feel safe. Living this kind of comment is not normal, she laments.
I’m not surprised by people who are afraid to return to seek help. I hear about that a lot, says Lorraine Fontaine, executive director of the Regroupement Naissances Respectées.
She has been interested in the phenomenon for more than 20 years and knows that this violence has serious consequences for women.
Lorraine Fontaine, Executive Director of the Respected Births Group
Photo: Radio Canada
People who have experienced gynecological violence last a lifetime. Even if it only happens once, she said.
There is little, if any, data on the subject, but she’s confident it’s more common than you might think.
“What is the order of magnitude in Quebec? We don’t know, we can’t measure it. We can only tell you that we hear hundreds of testimonies. »
— A quote from Lorraine Fontaine, Executive Director, Respected Births Group
In addition, many women have testified via email that they have suffered gynecological violence that has scarred them.
The importance of education
dr Marie-Josée Bédard is an obstetrician-gynecologist and professor at the University of Montréal School of Medicine. She was made aware of the topic five years ago.
Since then she has been campaigning for better training for health professionals.
With education in our communities, this will happen less. With our nurses, our midwives, our doctors, everyone, explains Dr. Bedard.
“We must no longer accept what is unacceptable. »
— A quote from Dr. Marie-Josée Bédard, obstetrician and gynaecologist
She believes the culture is changing. This is just the beginning, I think it will continue like this, she said.
Women must denounce
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) also recognizes the existence of gynecological and obstetric violence.
Executive Director Dr. Diane Francoeur says the organization’s position is very clear. We must do everything and make every effort to stop it, she said.
Diane Francoeur, Executive Director of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC)
Photo: Radio Canada
In her opinion, the fast pace of life and the overloaded health network contribute to the problem. It can be difficult to get an appointment, and time is often short when you face the doctor.
Communication between women and health professionals must be improved at all costs. We need to encourage women to talk, to tell us their secrets. Sometimes we ask questions, but women don’t say they had painful exams that traumatized them, explains Dr. Francoeur.
“Women shouldn’t be afraid to say it. It’s too important. »
— A quote from Dr. Diane Francoeur, Executive Director of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC)
The problem is everywhere, reminds Dr. Francoeur. You see it in the US, UK and France, she says.
In France, the topic is making headlines again. This time it’s Foreign Minister and gynecologist Chrysoula Zacharopoulou who finds herself in the hot seat. She is the subject of three charges of rape committed while she was a gynecologist in 2016. An investigation is ongoing.
In Quebec, the College of Physicians does not affirm or deny any information about possible complaints of this nature against healthcare professionals, but reiterates its position. The College condemns all forms of violence and abuse towards patients and will intervene where necessary.