A pregnant Muslim woman who was targeted in a vicious attack says she fears for the world her children will grow up in if racism is not addressed.
The 31-year-old woman, who is 9th month pregnant, was with friends at Bay Vista cafe on Church Street, Parramatta, at 10.30pm on Wednesday when she was set upon by a man who she did not know.
Police have arrested 43-year-old Stipe Lozina and charged him with affray and assault occasioning actual bodily harm since the attack.
While the woman has chosen to remain anonymous, she released a statement through a friend thanking Australia for rallying behind her.
The 31-year-old woman, who is 38 weeks pregnant, reportedly posted a message on Facebook saying the incident wasn’t the first time she has experienced racism, but was still shocked her attacker could be so cruel.
“I hope the justice system lives up to its name,” she said.
“I fear for the world our children will grow up in if this is not addressed. I call all Australians, Muslim and non-Muslim, to stand together in protecting innocent people from any racial or religious attacks.”
She was taken to Westmead Hospital for observation and an assessment of her unborn child and released the next day, having suffered a number of bruises and swelling.
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NSW Police Inspector Luke Sywenkyj told reporters in Sydney the victim seemed ‘somewhat emotionally and physically traumatised’.
He noted that the woman did not know her attacker, but said he was known to police and had an extensive criminal record.
The woman’s husband says that his wife rarely goes out but that when her friends invited her for coffee he told her he would look after their children.
Lozina was refused bail to next appear on December 5th.
