Assault at 60 feet below in Mexico

[Ishie]

Fonfon, just another person here expressing my shock and sorrow that you had to endure this, and as a female diver (heck, simply as a female), I want to personally thank you for having the courage to report this guy and come forward with your story. From what I've read, sexual assault statistically had a sharp rise as more women started coming forward and reporting the victimization, with a steady decline since then, due to women like you refusing the 'blame the victim' mentality, to ensure it wouldn't happen to others. Good for you! You're helping all of us, and I personally thank you.

Ignore the occasional doubters, as I'm sure you will. From what you've posted on this thread, the police and PADI's subsequent response, there is no doubt in my mind that this was a very clear assault, abuse of power, and exceptionally dangerous to your life. It also says a lot about you that you didn't panic, and are preparing to dive again. You're very strong.

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{}}}}}}}}}}}}}

 

[nessum]

Fonfon,

I am very sorry that you had this experience. I'm also very angered at the "instructor" that did this. Not only is he bad for the industry, but he's a sorry excuse for a human. I hope your therapy goes well and hope you are doing well. My best wishes go out to you.

Also, I am overjoyed that you have decided to get certified after all. Diving is the most incredible experience (when things go well) and I hope you get as much out of it as most people on this board do. It takes a lot of strength to continue with the sport I am sure and it has taken much strength for you to come forward. You have all my respect. Take care & happy diving.

 

[Trisha]

Folks, imagine if you will....
You're at 60 ft, doing your first open water dives. You're with a trusted advisor (hey, this person is trying to teach you life-support skills!) You freely give up your life support system to him....
And the instructor won't give the air back.
He won't give the air back... at 60 ft.
Sounds like attempted murder to me. Premeditated, in fact.

I don't care if the student is a man or women, a teenager or a senior citizen, there is no excuse. None.
I don't care if the instructor is a man or a woman, a weekend gomer or has every certification known to the scuba industry, but this person is seriously sick.
Whatever else happened down there, fonfon should be ready to nail his hide to the wall.

 

[divad]

PLease dont crucify me for this post. It just seems like i todays world the man is behind the 8 ball.

Maybe your feeling of being "behind the 8 ball" isn't gender-related.

 

[oceancrest67]

Fonfon has already related many details regarding her ordeal and victimization.

I also fear the legs of this thread moving on toward emotionally charged societal issues.

The "behind the eight ball" is a perception that many groups can claim for some reason or another.

I have dived in Mexico (and it does not have to be Mexico...it can also be in the US or some other place) and I have not been impressed with some operations: lackluster crew, shoddy equipment, lazy DM's and hungover instructors.

All divers and students must keep an eye out for the kind of operation and how well it is run / maintained...this says a bunch.

Just my 02

 

[fonfon5]

A huge thanks to everyone who has taken the time out their busy schedules to care enough to write a note. Believe it or not, you are all helping me more than my psychologist is and my gratitude is more than I can express here on the forum. I will hopefully be able to return back to my career as a military journalist in the near future. For now I am grateful for each new day where I can appreciate everything that I have only taken for granted in the past. You guys and gals are the best!!!!! THANK YOU.....THANK YOU.....THANK YOU!

Cynthia

 

[hdtran]

A huge thanks to everyone who has taken the time out their busy schedules to care enough to write a note. Believe it or not, you are all helping me more than my psychologist is and my gratitude is more than I can express here on the forum. I will hopefully be able to return back to my career as a military journalist in the near future. For now I am grateful for each new day where I can appreciate everything that I have only taken for granted in the past. You guys and gals are the best!!!!! THANK YOU.....THANK YOU.....THANK YOU!

Cynthia

Bend zee knees. That vill be $5, pleaze... :dazzler1:

Seriously, we are all with you in our hearts and wish you the best.

 

[NotQuiteDead]

Wow...my thoughts are with you. Conduct like this from people we trust our safety to is just inexcuseable.

My applause to you for having the courage to post. I hope that you can find pleasure in diving again--don't let him take that away from you. I know I'll be here for you if you need anything at all.

Erik

 

[DiveGolfSki]

I'm sorry to hear that things like this happen in a world that's supposed to serene and beautiful. I'm glad that you are okay and hope you recover fully from this ordeal. Just remember, if you don't, the offender wins again.

While I don't want to know the details, I would imagine that any assault underwater can be dangerous or even life-threatening (e.g., embolism, drowning, etc.). I would hope the authorities would tack on additional charges like attempted murder. All to insure, he'll be gone for a long time.

Get back in the water with some your support groups as soon as you can. If you don't have any dive buddies, check this site for some diving groups in your area. There are better people out there who truly want to share the experience of diving not the lurid side.

 

[scubamate]

fonfon,

I am truly sorry for what happened and have the utmost respect for you being able to persue the prosecution of this. Keep your chin up, keep getting better.

I would also like to say "Thank You' for getting this animal out of PADI and protecting more unsuspecting ladies. If you think about it, it could have been anybody's wife or daughter, even mine.