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Stabbing attack in Melbourne's CBD more evidence Victoria is nation's crime capital, opposition says
Fri 17 Oct
Shocking vision of a random knife attack in Melbourne's CBD has prompted the state's opposition leader to back his federal counterpart's description of Victoria as the country's crime capital.
A 36-year-old West Melbourne woman was stabbed near the intersection of Little Bourke and Spencer streets about 7.40am on October 2.
She was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Police arrested 32-year-old Lauren Darul and found a knife after searching the area.
Ms Darul has been charged with intentionally causing injury, recklessly causing injury and committing an indictable offence while on bail.
She faced court on October 3 and was remanded in custody.
The ABC has confirmed Ms Darul intends to apply for bail at a Melbourne Magistrates' Court hearing on Tuesday.
Victim afraid to leave home
The victim made a series of posts on social media speaking about her injuries and the incident's devastating aftermath.she said.
She said the attack left her with a collapsed lung but she was "recovering well" after undergoing surgery.
"Doctors estimate that recovery will take at least one to two months," she said.
As well as looking to move out of her current area, she said she was seeking psychological treatment "hoping to calm myself" so she could "regain [a] sense of security in Melbourne".
The injuries she suffered had left her unable to work and she said she was seeking financial support through Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal.
Alleged offender lived in supported housing
The alleged offender Lauren Darul was a resident of Make Room — an initiative that provides secure supported housing for people experiencing rough sleeping or homelessness in the City of Melbourne.A Make Room spokesperson said they were "deeply saddened" by the incident and the organisation was working closely with Victoria Police while it investigates.
"We understand that recent events have caused distress and that people in the community may have questions about safety and crime in the area," the spokesperson said.
"At Make Room, our residents share these concerns and have also felt distressed by what has occurred.
"Whilst this incident did not occur at Make Room, we work closely with authorities and our wrap around support services to find a way to improve safety of all community members."
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece would not comment directly on the facility, located on Little Bourke Street, which is a partnership between council, Unison Housing and the state government.
"If there are policy changes that need to be made then they will absolutely be made," he said on Friday.
Claim Victoria 'stands alone' on rising crime rate
Footage of the incident from CCTV cameras was obtained by media organisations and published on Thursday.Premier Jacinta Allan described the incident as "absolutely sickening".
"My thoughts and support go to the victim and her wider family who are also supporting her at what is no doubt an incredibly difficult and traumatic time," she said.
"No-one who commits such a brazen and violent act on our streets should be on our streets.
"It was a shocking, brazen act of violence that has no place on any street in any town."
Ms Allan thanked police for their swift response to the incident.
Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin backed his federal counterpart Sussan Ley's comments that Victoria was becoming Australia's crime capital.
"There's too many things now that it's no longer just a coincidence that we've got the odd bit of crime. We're actually at the stage now where violent crime is dominating airwaves," he told ABC Radio Melbourne.
"People are starting to fear that this is genuinely what Victoria is becoming.
"There's no-one in Australia that's close to us. Victoria stands alone."
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece said the city's CBD was not a dangerous place, despite a recent rise in recorded crime.
"By any international comparison Melbourne is a very safe city but we have seen a rise in crime across Victoria that is undeniable," he told ABC Radio Melbourne.
"There's been an 18 per cent rise in crime in Victoria, the majority of that's been driven by theft."
