Search underway after criminal’s horrifying assault of grandmum
- Replies 7
In a deeply unsettling incident that has rocked the community of a major urban centre, a grandmother was subjected to a harrowing experience that prompted a city-wide alert and a fervent manhunt.
The incident occurred in broad daylight, a stark reminder that danger can strike at the most unexpected times.
The grandmum, aged 66, was enjoying a seemingly peaceful playtime with her young grandson on a nature strip at the intersection of Alfrieda St and Craigielea Ave in St Albans, northwest Melbourne, last December.
'The male asked the woman for cigarettes and she replied multiple times that she did not have any,’ Victoria Police said in a statement released Wednesday, April 17.
‘The woman walked away with her grandson, then the male approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her whilst making crude comments.’
The woman shouted at the male before he walked off on Craiglea Avenue, then up Collins Street, before doubling back down Collins Street and walking back down Craigielea Avenue towards View Street.
Victoria Police have released a description of the suspect in hopes that public vigilance will aid in his capture.
‘The offender is perceived to be of African appearance, approximately 175cm tall with a slim build, a mark on the left side of his cheek and protruding teeth,’ they said.
‘He was wearing a black and white varsity jacket, a brown cap, black shirt, and dark-coloured skinny jeans.’
Anyone with information regarding this incident is highly encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or to submit a confidential report here.
According to the National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety last 2022, a quarter of Australian women aged between 68 and 73 have reported experiencing sexual violence at some point in their lives. They also found that younger women are more likely to report incidents of sexual assault.
Data released the same year by the Australian Institute of Family Studies in The Survey of Older People revealed that the most common form of sexual abuse of community-dwelling people aged 65 and above is unwanted conversations of a sexual nature at 77 per cent.
Thirty-two per cent of respondents who experienced sexual assault in the year prior to the poll also said they were sexually touched against their will.
This incident serves as a chilling reminder of the importance of community awareness and personal safety. It is crucial to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour, especially when it concerns protecting the more vulnerable members of our society, such as seniors and children.
We urge you to discuss safety plans with your family members.
It's essential to have a strategy to avoid potentially dangerous situations and know how to react if confronted with one. Consider carrying a personal alarm, keeping a mobile phone handy, and always being aware of your surroundings.
Our thoughts are with the grandmum and her family at this trying time. May justice be served.
The incident occurred in broad daylight, a stark reminder that danger can strike at the most unexpected times.
The grandmum, aged 66, was enjoying a seemingly peaceful playtime with her young grandson on a nature strip at the intersection of Alfrieda St and Craigielea Ave in St Albans, northwest Melbourne, last December.
'The male asked the woman for cigarettes and she replied multiple times that she did not have any,’ Victoria Police said in a statement released Wednesday, April 17.
‘The woman walked away with her grandson, then the male approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her whilst making crude comments.’
Victoria Police released a facial composite image of the alleged offender. Image Credit: Victoria Police
The woman shouted at the male before he walked off on Craiglea Avenue, then up Collins Street, before doubling back down Collins Street and walking back down Craigielea Avenue towards View Street.
Victoria Police have released a description of the suspect in hopes that public vigilance will aid in his capture.
‘The offender is perceived to be of African appearance, approximately 175cm tall with a slim build, a mark on the left side of his cheek and protruding teeth,’ they said.
‘He was wearing a black and white varsity jacket, a brown cap, black shirt, and dark-coloured skinny jeans.’
Anyone with information regarding this incident is highly encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or to submit a confidential report here.
According to the National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety last 2022, a quarter of Australian women aged between 68 and 73 have reported experiencing sexual violence at some point in their lives. They also found that younger women are more likely to report incidents of sexual assault.
Data released the same year by the Australian Institute of Family Studies in The Survey of Older People revealed that the most common form of sexual abuse of community-dwelling people aged 65 and above is unwanted conversations of a sexual nature at 77 per cent.
Thirty-two per cent of respondents who experienced sexual assault in the year prior to the poll also said they were sexually touched against their will.
This incident serves as a chilling reminder of the importance of community awareness and personal safety. It is crucial to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour, especially when it concerns protecting the more vulnerable members of our society, such as seniors and children.
We urge you to discuss safety plans with your family members.
It's essential to have a strategy to avoid potentially dangerous situations and know how to react if confronted with one. Consider carrying a personal alarm, keeping a mobile phone handy, and always being aware of your surroundings.
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