A young international student's first weekend in Melbourne turned into a nightmare when she became the victim of a random and violent attack in the city's central business district, spending her birthday receiving hospital treatment.
A Birthday Walk Turns Violent
The incident occurred around 3:40 pm on Saturday along Queen Street. The victim, a 23-year-old RMIT student from China who wishes to be known only as Kimberlie, had just stepped out for a walk and was texting a friend when the attack happened.
"I didn't even notice her until her arm swung towards my face and hit me," Kimberlie recounted. She believes the assailant was aiming for her eye, but her glasses took the brunt of the impact, protecting her from more serious injury. The blow was struck with an object, causing a significant wound above her right eyebrow.
Immediate Aftermath and Hospitalisation
Initially unaware of the severity of her injury, Kimberlie instinctively covered the cut. Her vision blurred, and she only realised she was bleeding when concerned passersby offered her tissues. "When I reached for the tissue, the blood kept dripping down my face," she said, describing the deep gash.
Emergency services rushed her to hospital, where doctors spent eight hours treating her, stitching the wound closed. What was meant to be a celebration of her birthday became a traumatic ordeal confined to a hospital ward.
Ongoing Trauma and Police Charges
The psychological impact has been profound. Since the attack, Kimberlie reported feeling anxious outdoors, finding it difficult to go out alone and becoming easily startled by sudden movements. She has reached out to her university for support but is yet to receive a response.
Police investigations revealed that moments before attacking Kimberlie, the same woman allegedly struck a 22-year-old on the same street. The younger victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Authorities confirmed that neither victim knew the alleged offender.
A 29-year-old woman from Melton South was arrested near the intersection of Queen and Therry streets at approximately 4:10 pm on Saturday. She has since been charged with multiple offences, including recklessly causing injury, aggravated assault of a female, committing an indictable offence while on bail, and possessing methylamphetamine.
