By Casey Neill
Nightmares and physical scars are still plaguing a Dandenong North husband and wife who were attacked in their own home.
But support from the community is helping Pero and Radmila to recover from the 20 August ordeal in Victor Avenue.
Silverton Cricket Club president Shane King presented the couple and their three children with a cheque for $1400.
Radmila has had surgery on her broken hand and is recovering slowly.
Pero is battling a constant whistling noise in his head due to a fractured skull.
But like their three daughters, they’re suffering nightmares and are too scared to leave their house after dark.
There’ll be further donations to come, with a GoFundMe appeal having raised $1805 so far.
Businesses Waterchem WA, Odour Management Seaford, International Chemicals Engineering and Alleys Electrical have made substantial donations.
Silverton Cricket Club members and members of the general public have also chipped in.
“The sad issue is that everyone has now moved on with their lives but Pero and Radmila are stuck in their torment, trying to face their injuries while making sure their girls are OK and trying to source enough money to stay afloat,” a Silverton spokesman said.
The club established a Facebook page opposing violence and the online donation portal.
Mr King wants the club to be a safe haven and positive influence for kids in the area.
“It’s like something’s broken and I think a positive early influence in their life is a way of fixing it,” he said.
Greater Dandenong councillor Zaynoun Melhem asked the council to work with the club to discuss ways to support its initiative.
Radmila and Pero were watching television about 10pm when they heard a window break.
“I opened the door. They were already at the door and pushing the door in,” Radmila said.
“We tried to push them out.”
There were four men, all perceived to be of African appearance and wearing hooded tops and face coverings.
During the struggle, Pero was struck to the head and fell unconscious to the floor. He has a fractured skull.
One of the bandits hit Radmila with a baseball bat, and she hit back with her hands.
Pero came to and instinctively grabbed a candle holder and headed for the door.
The men fled empty-handed but the damage was done.
Visit www.gofundme.com/care-fund-for-bashed-family to support Radmila and Pero.
