Yesterday I was assaulted and mugged in broad daylight as I walked through the busy streets of Perth. I was chased down, punched in the back and had my handbag ripped from my shoulder by a stranger. The stranger assaulted me in the afternoon sun for twenty dollars and some change.  

I think I am still in shock that this has happened to me on top of what I’ve already been dealing with.  I feel beaten and defeated.  But I know I can’t let this be the thing that breaks me.  Somehow I need to find strength to keep moving forward. I need to believe that there isn’t any rule or reason why bad things happen to people, it’s just the world we live in.

The stranger who violently hurt me, physically and mentally, for less than thirty dollars is still out there. Be careful. Everyone be aware.

There is no safety in daylight.

I tried to run.  I tried to run away.  I couldn’t run.  My legs felt heavy, in quick sand.  I couldn’t move.  Too late to move, you were on me.

I saw your bulging red eyes.  I saw your plate mouth and drooling corners.  I saw your fist pulled back.  I saw evil disguised as a man.

Yesterday you attacked me.  You attacked me like an animal.  You pounded my already battered body.  You created fresh bruises.  You created more pain.

Today you torment me.  Today you haunt my every waking and sleeping hour.  You are all I think about, you are all I see.  The rage in your noise.  The evil in your eyes.  You are etched into my mind.  You are a scar.

There is no safety in daylight.