Netherlands: Euthanasia granted to teenager victim of sexual violence

Noa Pothoven, originally from Arnhem in Holland, was 17 years old and lived with what he defined as "unbearable suffering". Since I was a little girl

depression and anxiety

caused by having been

badually abused

that is why he decided to ask for euthanasia: he died Sunday in The Hague, a clinic where he had been hospitalized since December.

Pothoven's childhood was marked by intra-familial abuse, having been raped by his cousin, among other episodes. He could never recover completely, and detailed his journey in his autobiography
Win or learn where he covers post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anorexia.

He died peacefully with his mother. One day before leaving a message on Instagram telling his story:

"I've long thought that it was necessary to share this or not, but I finally decided to do it anyway.This may surprise a lot, but I've thought about this plan for a long time, and I did not make the decision impulsively ". She says that she stopped eating and drinking and that she made the decision to no longer live with a team. Details:
"I'll get right to the point: I'm going to die in up to 10 days, having fought and fought, I feel like I'm exhausted by all this."

She dedicated a section to her friends and family in which she asked them not to try to convince her: "It's my decision, there is no turning back." To love is also to let go, as in this case.

In the Netherlands, euthanasia can be granted from age 12, provided that the person has expressed the wish to stop living and that a doctor concludes that the patient's suffering is unbearable.

According to the Regional Committee for the Revision of Euthanasia, in 2017 alone, about 6585 people chose euthanasia to end their life in this country, or about 4.4% of the total population. deaths recorded in the Netherlands.

Where to ask for help

Suicide Assistance Center (CAS): 135 free lines from the capital and Greater Buenos Aires or (011) 5275-1135 throughout the country www.casbuenosaires.com.ar

SOS An anonymous friend: (011) 4783-8888, ages 9 to 19 years old www.sosunamigoanonimo.com.ar

More information: www.suicidioadolescente.com.ar