Near Toulouse: amputated after her companion shot her, she appeals to battered women
Her former companion had shot her, before waiting for her days This mother of three children who lives in Haute-Garonne begins her rehabilitation in a clinic in the suburbs of Toulouse. She appeals to battered women who hide in silence.
Florence is gradually taking her bearings at the Cabirol clinic in Colomiers. His analgesic treatment has just been reassessed. This mother of three children spent a calm night, without nightmares, nor nagging pains. The first since his left leg amputation.
It was January 28. For a time, the doctors had to put a prosthesis on him, but the underside of his knee was too badly affected.
“I had mentally prepared myself for several days. I knew it was the only solution. Being amputated is not an end in itself. I hope to go back to work in the retirement home where I work. Maybe part-time at first, but I’m going to fight for that, ”she says in a reassured tone, looking straight, as if to show that she does not feel sorry for herself.
“I owe my survival only to the exceptional courage of a policeman”
On January 9, his former companion shot him with a shotgun after yet another argument. “I owe my survival only to the exceptional courage of a policeman. At the risk of his life, he applied a tourniquet while my ex was still armed. I will never ask for it enough, ”she says.
She decided to talk in order to convince battered women to talk. “I have always lived in violence. I suffered terrible things but I thought it was almost normal. I have a close friend whose boyfriend was violent but she refused to leave him. What happened to me acted like an electroshock in her. She ended the relationship right after. »
Since the beginning of his hospitalization at Purpan, his youngest has visited him on weekends. “Until now, I’ve always hidden my leg with a blanket, but she can see that I no longer have a foot so she asks questions. With my mother-in-law, we started showing her videos where little amputee girls dance wearing prostheses. Gradually, on the accustomed to the situation. »
Riding with her daughter
Florence is already stamping at the idea of leaving the clinic and returning to her home in Villemur-sur-Tarn. “To be separated from my kid is heartbreaking. Here depending on the case, people can stay for months and months, I will do everything to find her as soon as possible. One day, I’ll go back on horseback with her, it’s my dearest wish. »