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Mugged
By Belinda Nolan
23rd February 2010 11:05:27 AM
A MOTHER and her daughter have told of their terror after a violent mugging in Keilor Village last week.
Teresa and her daughter Dominique were sitting on a street bench along the Old Calder Highway when they were assaulted and robbed by three men on Wednesday night.
The attack has left 21-year-old Dominique traumatised and terrified to leave the house.
The Brooklyn residents had been on their way home from the dentist when they stopped at the village to have a quick drink.
They were sitting outside a fish and chip shop when they were suddenly approached by a strange man.
“He came over to us and it looked like he was trying to put his arm around Dominique,” Teresa said.
"He asked her for the time then all of a sudden he leaned over and knocked her down to the ground and grabbed her bag.”
Although surprised, Teresa was not going to let her attacker get away without a fight.
Leaving her frightened daughter with shopkeepers, Teresa took off after the man, who was running towards a waiting car and two accomplices.
She was knocked to the ground when the man swung the stolen handbag into her face.
Although reeling from the pain, the heroic mum managed to stagger to her feet and continue the chase but could not capture the men.
“My daughter couldn’t believe what I did and was worried that I could have got hurt but in that moment I didn’t care about my safety,” Teresa said.
“My maternal instinct kicked in and I knew I would do whatever it took to protect my child.”
Although Dominique lost consciousness in the shock of the attack, it is the mental injuries that have taken the biggest toll.
The muggers stole not only her cash but her mobile phone, identification and medical records.
“She feels like her identity has been stolen and she’s very afraid,” Teresa said.
“She’s afraid to leave the house, she’s afraid to stay inside because they know where we live and what we look like.
“She’s just been traumatised and I’m so angry about it.”
The concerned mother said she decided to share her story to warn others of the dangers.
“You think it’s a quiet area and that nothing like this could happen but it happened to us and it could happen to anyone,” she said.
“These people are out there and they’re preying on vulnerable women.
“It’s just not acceptable.”
Police are investigating the incident and would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident.
Anyone with any information can contact Leading Senior Constable John Smith at the Keilor Downs Police Station on 9365 3333.
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