A Melbourne shopping centre has been the scene of a distressing incident, with a young mother recounting her traumatic experience of being attacked in what authorities suspect may be a racially motivated assault. The 27-year-old, who was grocery shopping, was assaulted by a woman who slapped her and pushed her to the ground. As a result of the attack, she sustained bruises and is now fearful of leaving her home.
In a related incident, another woman, aged 30, had her hijab grabbed while she was sitting at a café inside the same centre. Both victims were taken to Northern Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Eyewitnesses reportedly did not intervene during the assaults, and the perpetrator fled the scene.
Victoria Police condemned the attacks, affirming that discriminatory behaviour has no place in society. The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) also expressed strong condemnation and highlighted the physical and emotional impact on the victims, one of whom is pregnant. They called for improved protocols to address Islamophobic attacks and adequate support for victims. The community is urged to report any witnessed incidents to the police or Crime Stoppers.