Mom called after Susan left. The
next evening, we called the police. They showed up at 11pm for a statement; my
friend and Susan were with me for it. Everyone
kept saying how I needed to speak up against what he did or he would think he could
continue to get away with it.
The next Friday, not only did I
pass my exam, but my mom and I also went to see a family friend who was a
counsellor. Mom asked me how I was feeling on Saturday and I said I felt a
little better. In the end, the case ended up in court but the bus driver never
showed. He received 124 days in jail because of it. Now I'm happy that I took it to court because
I bet I wasn't the only person he’d hurt. I’m glad I could speak out about it. I am much better and feel safe again using
Access Calgary.
This event has opened my eyes a
lot about who I can trust and who I can’t. There are a few men in my life that
I can trust like my dad and my two brothers-in-law, and a really good friend of
mine. I hope they know how lucky I am to have them.
After what happened to me, I urge
people to come forward and tell others if this ever happens to you. Don’t be
ashamed if it happens; it wasn’t your fault. I’m lucky that the bus driver
didn’t do anything else, but in the back of my mind, I wonder what would have
happened if I’d kept my mouth shut? That’s why it’s important to be aware of
what’s going on when you’re using these kinds of services. Carry a cellphone
with you at all times.
It is especially hard for people
with disabilities who have no voice to speak up. But it’s really empowering to
stand up for your rights. Talk to people who you’re comfortable with, like a
counsellor or your parents. They will support you through this rough time.
Sometimes I’m still afraid of
going on handi-buses, because of what happened to me. I don’t feel safe. But
I’m getting better because now they have cameras on the bus in the front and
the back. That makes me feel a little better, but not a whole lot.
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