We know that it takes courage for any victim of sexual assault to report the crime. We imagine that when you are a public figure, it is even harder to bear, all the more so when our aggressor is a political figure much appreciated by his community.
Mme Fournier is currently the mayoress of Longueuil. She is one of the most talented politicians of her generation. It is hard to imagine that such a strong and determined person could be victimized. But unfortunately! Proof that it can happen to anyone.
Obviously, it is today that the victim decides to reveal his identity. She could have chosen to maintain the artificial publication ban. Because it must be said that it was information that had spread widely in political circles. I don’t know why she decided to lift the visor, but I imagine now that the dust has settled and the abuser has been convicted and served time in prison, she wants her story to make us aware of this kind of crimeeven in circles of power.
I’ll say it again, it takes courage. Because there is always a risk associated with this decision. Mme Fournier is a seasoned politician despite her young age and she knows perfectly well that in politics, appearances, rumors and value judgments can have a gigantic impact on a career. How will the population perceive it, and its voters in particular? What will her name, “Catherine Fournier”, mean to ordinary mortals: has today Catherine Fournier, the talented mayor of Longueuil, become Catherine Fournier, the victim of Harold LeBel, in the mind Quebecers? I am convinced that she would not want this crime to define her in the eyes of Quebec.
I have no doubt of the benevolence that Quebec society will show to Mr.me Fournier in the coming days, weeks and months. She will generate sympathy, empathy and respect for the process she has undertaken. Still, we will have to force ourselves so that from now on, Catherine Fournier is described quite simply for what she is: a brilliant and courageous politician who inspires us with her strength and her resilience.