Attack at tourist resort leaves sour taste for victim

In an exclusive interview with the Herald, the young woman at the centre of an attack by an intruder at a resort in Arorangi last Friday night has spoken out about her ordeal. Bruised and scratched, she expressed her gratitude that the offender has been caught, charged and is now in custody.
The woman and her daughter were completely traumatized by this unprovoked attack and moved to a private residence with family friends following the attack as they no longer felt safe at the resort.
The scary part according to the woman, was that this person was possibly watching her movements throughout the early evening and that his actions were premeditated. “My daughter and I had only just gone to sleep when I rolled and felt this person beside me. This may well have disturbed him when he started attacking me.”
The woman was left with a number of scratches and bruises and although she was taken to hospital for observation, she did not require medical attention.
“I’m just thankful that I was able to fight back even though he seemed a lot stronger than me which possibly prevented further injuries from occurring.”
“I am saddened that this sort of thing can happen in a beautiful place like the Cook Islands as it will only put people off from coming here. I can’t believe how a person can do this type of thing and expect to get away with it. Fortunately, we weren’t seriously hurt but you never know what might have happened if I had not defended myself.”
“I just want to say thank you very much to the patrons and the staff at the resort who were tremendous in their support in coming to my assistance. The Police especially deserve praise for their tireless effort in tracking the offender down and bringing him to justice within a matter of days.”
“For me and to give me peace of mind, I had to see this person when he appeared in court this week so that I could face him and say that I’m not afraid of him and how dare you do this to me and bring shame on your family and the people of the Cook Islands.”
“Fortunately he has admitted to the charges and will be sentenced early next year. At least I am satisfied that no other woman will be put at risk because of what this man has done and is capable of doing.”
“I am also grateful that my eleven year old daughter is relieved that the offender has been caught because since that night, she has become jittery and is afraid to be left alone, something she was always confident in doing. I also feel sorry for the family of this man because of the shame associated with what he has done and lucky for him, my family did not get to him first otherwise, goodness knows what would have happened to him if they did.”
“Although this incident has left a sour taste in my mouth, I am thankful nothing more serious occurred and the fantastic efforts by the Police have restored our confidence and we will continue to visit this beautiful island in future.”

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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