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Sara talks about her assault on the Salvador

St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
I know many forum members have been following Sara’s fun videos about her Camino de Madrid, through León and now on the Salvador.

I had heard from Ender that she had been the victim of a sexual assault, but that she had pressed charges and testified in court. Today Sara posted her own account. It is graphic, but a pretty amazing example of a strong, compassionate woman who managed to find the strength to follow through when it would have been easy to just try to put it out of her mind.


For me the most amazing part of this video is when she says that she is glad that it happened to her and not some other woman less able to deal with it. She is going to continue on the camino.

We have had reports of incidents like this before, but to see and hear the victim talking about it makes a tremendous impact.
 
Oh, Sara, this should not happen to you or any other women.
Thank you for sharing, it must have been a very difficult video to make. You are a very brave woman, I'm so glad it's over and the man has been to court.
All the best to you and buen camino.
 
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I know many forum members have been following Sara’s fun videos about her Camino de Madrid, through León and now on the Salvador.

I had heard from Ender that she had been the victim of a sexual assault, but that she had pressed charges and testified in court. Today Sara posted her own account. It is graphic, but a pretty amazing example of a strong, compassionate woman who managed to find the strength to follow through when it would have been easy to just try to put it out of her mind.


For me the most amazing part of this video is when she says that she is glad that it happened to her and not some other woman less able to deal with it. She is going to continue on the camino.

We have had reports of incidents like this before, but to see and hear the victim talking about it makes a tremendous impact.

What a remarkable young woman.

I hope that having done what many - for entirely understandable reasons - cannot, she can put it behind her and move on even stronger.
 
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I know many forum members have been following Sara’s fun videos about her Camino de Madrid, through León and now on the Salvador.

I had heard from Ender that she had been the victim of a sexual assault, but that she had pressed charges and testified in court. Today Sara posted her own account. It is graphic, but a pretty amazing example of a strong, compassionate woman who managed to find the strength to follow through when it would have been easy to just try to put it out of her mind.


For me the most amazing part of this video is when she says that she is glad that it happened to her and not some other woman less able to deal with it. She is going to continue on the camino.

We have had reports of incidents like this before, but to see and hear the victim talking about it makes a tremendous impact.

These things make me so angry. Pressing charges is always the right thing to do. Glad to hear authorities took it seriously and acted accordingly!

/BP
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
I know that in the past, many women have wondered whether it is worth it to endure the unpleasantness that comes with reporting these incidents, and some have suggested that nothing ever happens, anyway. Well, this is one great example of all parts of “the system” coming together to produce a good result.

Though the sentence is 11 months, it is held in abeyance so long as he pays the fine of 8 euros a day (total comes to about 2,600 € I think). He will also be sent to prison if he violates his restraining order that prohibits any sort of contact with Sara.


 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

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I know many forum members have been following Sara’s fun videos about her Camino de Madrid, through León and now on the Salvador.

I had heard from Ender that she had been the victim of a sexual assault, but that she had pressed charges and testified in court. Today Sara posted her own account. It is graphic, but a pretty amazing example of a strong, compassionate woman who managed to find the strength to follow through when it would have been easy to just try to put it out of her mind.


For me the most amazing part of this video is when she says that she is glad that it happened to her and not some other woman less able to deal with it. She is going to continue on the camino.

We have had reports of incidents like this before, but to see and hear the victim talking about it makes a tremendous impact.
I had watched her video earlier this afternoon. Sara speaks for all the other female pilgrims who have been violated in a similar manner on the camino over the last few years. It brings home the emotional impact and toll it takes on the mind of the victim and the fear it brings...another type of terrorist act IMO.
 
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I know many forum members have been following Sara’s fun videos about her Camino de Madrid, through León and now on the Salvador.

I had heard from Ender that she had been the victim of a sexual assault, but that she had pressed charges and testified in court. Today Sara posted her own account. It is graphic, but a pretty amazing example of a strong, compassionate woman who managed to find the strength to follow through when it would have been easy to just try to put it out of her mind.


For me the most amazing part of this video is when she says that she is glad that it happened to her and not some other woman less able to deal with it. She is going to continue on the camino.

We have had reports of incidents like this before, but to see and hear the victim talking about it makes a tremendous impact.
Heavens above
This made for some uncomfortable viewing for sure
What a brave woman
An amazing woman with the presence of mind to deal with this awful happening
And glad that you are safe Sara
Best wishes to you
Annette
 
Hi all!

Currently hiking the Camino de San Salvador!

I post a daily video and will be hiking from Leon to Oviedo in five stages. This first day is now up!

Sara’s Videoblog Playlist for the Camino de San Salvador

Cheers,
Sara
Hi all!

Currently hiking the Camino de San Salvador!

I post a daily video and will be hiking from Leon to Oviedo in five stages. This first day is now up!

Sara’s Videoblog Playlist for the Camino de San Salvador

Cheers,
Sara
Sara,
You inspired many to become a pilgrim with your beautiful videos showing you doing what you love most. The way you handled this terrible experience shows great strength. What a great human being you are Sara. I hope you continue doing what you do. Take your time and I hope walking helps you processing all this. I have a lot of respect for you and I hope you are well.

Dolf.
 
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This Canadian woman thanks you for having the strength and courage to stand up and speak up. Your fortitude had and will help present and future peregrinas on any Camino route. Big hug to you Sara and thank you for watching out for us despite your fear and painful experience. ❤️🤗
 
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I haven’t watched this video yet but have been following Sara for a few caminos.
I am so sorry this has happened to you. I walked the San Salvador a few years ago and was enjoying reliving it through you!
Thank you on behalf of all solo women pilgrims for finding the strength to follow through with the legal side of things.
You are amazing!!
 
Sara, there are no words.
I am so glad you're OK!

You totally did the right thing, and it can't have been easy. Now the rest of us are safer for it...Many thanks. Your courage and strength of heart shine through.

Heartfelt well wishing for a buen camino after all that. Go gently....

I know that in the past, many women have wondered whether it is worth it to endure the unpleasantness that comes with reporting these incidents, and some have suggested that nothing ever happens, anyway. Well, this is one great example of all parts of “the system” coming together to produce a good result.
It'd be naive to think this kind of thing won't happen again, so thank you for saying this Laurie. Exactly. It is really surprising how quickly the system responded, and it's great to know that's possible.
 
Oh Sara. Gosh. Thank you for your bravery and for standing up for all of us through this horribly frightening experience. I am so inspired by your courage and determination to carry on with your camino. Sending you light, strength and joy (which you already have) for your continuing walk and much 🍺🍷and 🍫. Take good care dear Peregrina.
 
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As a male reading this Sara, it makes me ashamed of my Gender. This should not happen to any woman.
I was tearing up with you, as you recounted the ordeal............
How terrifying.

But you should be immensely proud of the way that you handled this.
You are one heck of a strong woman and a terrific example to all.

Let's hope that these things reduce and many more perps are brought before the courts.

Thank you for sharing your story. So many will learn and gain strength from it.

And God Bless that Police Officer for being at home!
 
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Sara as I shall hopefully be walking the Salvador next year, I have been following your videos with great pleasure and sharing your enjoyment and enthusiasm.
That such an assault should happen to such a joyous person was horrifying.
You are one brave and redoubtable Pelegrina.
 
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I am glad to be in the news. Now other horrible people will understand there are consequences for their actions.
Brava, peregrina!
The photo of that guy coming out of the court - ashamed and covering his head - is delicious. That should make any other perverts think twice. This one will wear his shame for a while because the social consequences of this will be more than just a fine and a conviction: everyone in town will have heard about this by now, and if he has a wife, no doubt he will have had one heck of a scolding, and perhaps more.
 
My wife and I were on El Salvador just a couple of weeks before you. As you say, absolutely beautiful. We're glad to hear that you won't let that horrible experience stop you finishing the camino and going onto others.
We've thoroughly enjoyed your travels in Spain and look forward to many more....
 
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Sara I love your video's... I love your spirit and your love of the camino. I've been inspired by your attitude and we tune in every evening to watch your latest installment. Like everyone else we watched your last posting with gut wrenching sadness but also with total amazement for how you have handled this terrible situation.

You're an amazing woman. Be gentle with yourself over the coming days and weeks... I think I might just have to buy you a beer now! ❤
 
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Oh my goodness Sara!! I was watching your You Tube video yesterday and thoroughly enjoying your adventure. What a shock to see this posting this morning on the forum. I am so, so sorry that this happened to you. I am so sorry that this happens to anyone. Thank you for pressing charges and thank you for sharing your story. I pray that you will meet the right person or people who will envelope you in love, comfort, understanding and support as you heal from this assault. Kudos to you for pressing on. Be good to yourself over the the next weeks/months as you deal with this.

Andrea
 
Thank you everyone ❤
I have also been following you Sara, and was horrified to hear what you encountered but you are incredible and we are all have the utmost admiration for you. So relieved that it ended well for you and that you are continuing to walk alone. You are inspirational.
 
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Sara's latest video may be important to our members.

Horrifying. Very happy that you are safe and strong. Also glad that the incident was taken seriously by the police.
 
Sara, I too have watched many of your videos. You are an inspiration and a strength.
Your values and loving spirit always shine through.
I’m saddened that you experienced such a horrific act of mal-intent. You are one hell of a gutsy woman. Kudos.
And thanks for going through the court process.
As another sólo peregrina I thank you and hope we can meet up some day to share stories over a beer or wine (and chocolate)
(I’ve almost finished Mozárabe, 5 days til Merida)
Bless you and please keep walking. Xx
 
A very tough day.
Well managed.
I found your testimony quite upsetting.
Best wishes for the rest of your camino.

The speed the Spanish dealt with this is exemplary. I wish our courts were so efficient. And a daily fine, if missed leads to a period in jail. Justice indeed.
 
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Seeing how many forum members have used the word inspirational to describe Sara got me thinking. For me, that word typically applies to people older and wiser than I am, people who offer life examples that make a huge impression and that only come with many years of experience. I think Sara is the youngest person of whom I have ever said — you are a real inspiration to us all!
 
Sara, I was impressed by your courage when you posted about the bad man on the CDT this past summer. Now your courage has enabled you to get a pervert out of the shadows and into the newspapers in Spain. You are making the world a safer place for all of us women. I am still shaken by what you went through and I am so relieved that you were able to get away and get help. I hope you take the time to look after yourself and allow others to help you get over the shock of it all.

I am also impressed with the Spanish justice system, the police, the translator, the lawyers, the judge. I can't believe that this was dealt within 24 hours! Sending you love and hugs.
 
Seeing how many forum members have used the word inspirational to describe Sara got me thinking. For me, that word typically applies to people older and wiser than I am, people who offer life examples that make a huge impression and that only come with many years of experience. I think Sara is the youngest person of whom I have ever said — you are a real inspiration to us all!

Strength and dignity of a Queen!
 
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Perhaps this is a good place to flag up, again, the excellent official Spanish Police app ‘AlertCops’. It allows almost instantaneous reporting of serious issues direct to the police together with your real-time location. You can also speak directly to multi lingual controllers.

I’m a male 17stone former rugby-playing ex-army officer who practices aikido. So far as the demographics of sexual or physical assault victims go, I’m probably in the bottom couple of percent but still this excellent app is on the front screen of my phone every minute I’m in Spain. I wish similar existed elsewhere.

(I have expressed my admiration for Sara above, and waited a day so as to not derail the thread. )
 
Sara's latest video may be important to oue members.

Sara, I admire you and how you handled this. So glad, you got help and are dealing with this in the best possible way.
 
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I'm very happy that everything turned out all right. But this incident is one of those moments when I'm really deeply ashamed of certain "xwyz"'s of my gender. I just can't find the proper name for those, those, those ... Uggghhhhh!!!

Keep on walkin' Sara! :)
 
Sarah,thanks for posting this video which was so upsetting to watch. You are such a brave young woman. I'm glad you had the courage to see it through ,the court and everything. Thinking of you being chased up that steep hill which is hard enough to walk up,brought me to tears. Thank God you are safe. 😘
 
As a male reading this Sara, it makes me ashamed of my Gender. This should not happen to any woman.
I was tearing up with you, as you recounted the ordeal............
How terrifying.

But you should be immensely proud of the way that you handled this.
You are one heck of a strong woman and a terrific example to all.

Let's hope that these things reduce and many more perps are brought before the courts.

Thank you for sharing your story. So many will learn and gain strength from it.

And God Bless that Police Officer for being at home!
To generalize about men is extremely unfair. I am a male and I am not one bit ashamed of my gender. In fact, a member of my gender came to the aid of this young woman, as did other males at the police station and in court. We are each answerable for our own actions. What one bad person did or does does not define a whole gender.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
I watched this video thinking, "Very typical Camino -- a shame girls are still being put through this on their pilgrimmages" -- right up until Sara reached the last bit about this creep being a CONVICTED RAPIST! Why is a known pervert, who has already been found guilty of rape in Spain, not in jail for a subsequent offense? I think this says much more about the Spanish justice system, and the country's concern for women's safety, than any number of cool lawyers and officers offering coffee and chocolate.
 
I understand this reaction, but I think we need to know more about the Spanish legal process than what Sara or the newspapers report, to put the whole thing in context. I don’t have time to do a comprehensive search right now, but my understanding from my contacts in Spain as this was going on was that this is a special kind of legal process, not a full blown trial (obviously, since it happened a day or two after the incident). I am not sure if a full criminal trial would be available for this offense, but if it were, you can be sure it would take months to process, and for it to go anywhere, Sara would have to return to Spain to testify. That has been a big barrier to prosecuting camino offenses in the past.

I also don’t know how the prior convictions figured into this alternative process, which seems to be somewhere between an administrative review and a full trial. I also think that, given that he did not touch Sara, a heavier criminal offense may not have been committed. But I don’t want to speculate and don’t know what difference it might make that his failure to impose bodily harm was due to the intervention of the cop. I will be with a Spanish prosecutor in the next week or so, and I will discuss this issue with her and report back. But I think your conclusion is not totally accurate, at least based on what I know and what I have experienced in Spain. Buen camino, Laurie

This website has given me reliable judicial/legal information in the past

 
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The fact is that we peregrinas who walk on our own should not need an 'escort'. Nor should anyone, male or female. I recognise the good intention but as a woman in my sixties, quite honestly, I am so conscious of all the compromises we (women) make, the fears we squash down, sometimes the sheer nerve it takes for us to walk on our own. But we need to keep on doing it. Be strong. Walk!
 
The fact is that we peregrinas who walk on our own should not need an 'escort'. Nor should anyone, male or female. I recognise the good intention but as a woman in my sixties, quite honestly, I am so conscious of all the compromises we (women) make, the fears we squash down, sometimes the sheer nerve it takes for us to walk on our own. But we need to keep on doing it. Be strong. Walk!
Spot on!
 
Of course, I meant well. I said it would be great if honorable men were AVAILABLE to escort single women. I didn't say a thing about forcing women to take the help being offered. Any man with a personal code of honor would react the same way. The code requires protecting women, children, the elderly, and those who can not protect themselves. There is nothing in the code that requires keeping women in their place. This is how far we have fallen that a man wanting to help women would be criticized...
 
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Of course, I meant well. I said it would be great if honorable men were AVAILABLE to escort single women. I didn't say a thing about forcing women to take the help being offered. Any man with a personal code of honor would react the same way. The code requires protecting women, children, the elderly, and those who can not protect themselves. There is nothing in the code that requires keeping women in their place. This is how far we have fallen that a man wanting to help women would be criticized...
Amen! I fully agree with you.
 
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Personally, (please don't take offence) I don't want chivalry (not sure what that is...). I want kindness, equality, respect, safety...for everyone.


Of course we all want that. But could we just leave out the semantics for now? Maybe these ideas are better discussed in a private message ?
It would be a pity if this thread goes into a verbal fight at the expense of the powerful message from Sara.
What do you all think? :)
 
I know many forum members have been following Sara’s fun videos about her Camino de Madrid, through León and now on the Salvador.

I had heard from Ender that she had been the victim of a sexual assault, but that she had pressed charges and testified in court. Today Sara posted her own account. It is graphic, but a pretty amazing example of a strong, compassionate woman who managed to find the strength to follow through when it would have been easy to just try to put it out of her mind.


For me the most amazing part of this video is when she says that she is glad that it happened to her and not some other woman less able to deal with it. She is going to continue on the camino.

We have had reports of incidents like this before, but to see and hear the victim talking about it makes a tremendous impact.
Wow I am so glad you are safe. I had an experience recently in Malaysia when I was walking along a maps.me shortcut to a temple in Lumut area. I saw him working in the fields and he came towards me, we exchanged "hellos" and he got on his bicycle and rode off. I didn't give it a second thought. I saw him at a house just up ahead talking to a man, but he got back on his bike and rode off into the distance. He got off his bike, and started walking towards me with his right hand shaking. I am thinking oh he has Parkinsons Disease. Oh no he is masturbating as he walks towards me saying "please, please, please".
I shouted "NO, NO, GO AWAY...." and walked past him very fast and kept walking. I could see the end of the dirt road about 300 metres away, and just kept walking very fast, I turned around and saw him walk into the palm oil trees, so I started to run. I made it thank goodness, but it could have been a lot worse.
Funny ending to that was that a police car turned into the road, just after I exited.
Good grief I am 60 years old, but this kind of behaviour has no age limit.
Thank you for sharing your story.
 
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Though retired now, I spent many years working in Rape Crisis Intervention. Sara, I applaud you and your survival instincts. You were blessed to find someone at home, and that someone was a person who assisted you.
One of several things I would impress upon the women and men who came my way was to be mindful of anniversary dates--not only in one year, but sometimes even after many years have passed. It may come in the form of irritability or nightmares, anxious feelings or physical illness. You seem intelligent and I believe you will do the self-care that is required to get you through. Please reach out when you need to, and do let others reach out to you--you honor those you allow to be there for you.
Continued blessings in your life.
 
Thank you for sharing what was obviously a difficult and scary time for you. A warning to all. You’re a courageous woman. Good luck with the rest of your Camino.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
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The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.

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