Detective Senior Constable Sarah Carmichael from Dandenong Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation (SOCIT) speaks about an indecent assault in Springvale South.
By NICOLE WILLIAMS
A WOMAN suffered a stroke after a terrifying home invasion in Springvale South last week.
The 35-year-old woman was physically and indecently assaulted in her Gwent Street home around 1.10pm on Monday 13 August after the man gained access through an unlocked door.
Detective Senior Constable Sarah Carmichael from Dandenong Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation (SOCIT) said the woman was cleaning her bathroom and had forgotten to lock her door.
The woman’s screams scared off her attacker and a more serious assault.
“This was an indecent assault and it was only for her courage, bravery and screaming that resulted in him running,” she said.
“Had she not displayed such bravery there was the potential for something far more serious to happen.”
The woman was taken to the Monash Medical Centre with lacerations to her chest and doctors found she had also suffered a stroke.
“She suffered a minor stroke as a result of being choked by the offender,” Det Sen Con Carmichael.
She spent five hours in hospital before she was released and Det Sen Con Carmichael said she now felt unsafe in her home.
“She is very upset, frightened and very concerned about what has happened,” she said.
“Police are very concerned and obviously we want the community to feel safe in their homes but that this has happened in her own home and has made her uneasy.”
Police believe it was a random attack and reminded people to be vigilant, particularly when home alone.
“Police are very concerned at the nature of the attack and that it happened during the day,” Det Sen Con Carmichael said.
“We want to reassure the community that they are safe but to be vigilant about keeping doors lock during the day and at night.”
Police conducted two searches of the street following the attack but have been unable to locate the man.
He is described as African in appearance, in his late thirties to early forties, about 180cm tall with a medium build, short dark hair and dark eyes.
He was wearing dark coloured pants, a loose-fitting red T-shirt, a silver ring on his left hand and smelled strongly of alcohol.
Anyone with information about the attack is urged to contact Dandenong SOCIT on 9767 7469 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
