'I truly am so grateful': Auckland gym attack victim thanks mystery bystanders

The victim of an alleged Auckland gym assault says she is grateful for those, including a mystery nurse, who rushed to her aid before paramedics arrived. 

The 23-year-old mother, who did not want to be named, spoke to the Herald about her recovery, the bystanders who supported her and the minutes after the alleged assault during a workout at a Mt Wellington gym earlier this month. 

She recounted what she could remember, including her plans to run and call police for help before she was allegedly dragged and locked in a gym bathroom by her attacker. 

She remembered trying to unlock the door and opening a little gap. 

“I like screamed for help and then he shut it. 

“I don’t remember anything else after that.” 

She was eventually found unconscious and covered in blood. 

“I don’t know how long I was there, like lying there until they found me.” 

A few of the 25-30 people at the gym helped, including one woman who stayed beside her until an ambulance arrived. 

She said an unknown woman, whom she understood was an emergency department nurse who lived nearby, was called in to help by her father, who was at the gym. 

“She stayed with me the whole time and was helping me. I couldn’t actually see her. I don’t know what she looks like because my eyes were like closed. 

“I could not open my eyes. It was just blood everywhere.” 

She said she never got the woman’s name and couldn’t remember much, but she was “a really good lady” who helped her wipe her face. 

A man also helped by alerting her sister to what had happened. 

“I wasn’t able to talk and say it at the time, but I truly am so grateful.” 

She said other people at the gym took off their jackets and jumpers and put them around her because she was shivering. 

The mother of two spoke to the Herald about her recovery and the minutes after the alleged violent incident. 

‘I’m glad I’m healing now’ 

The young woman said she had just been discharged from hospital after surgery on her hand and fractured nose. 

Alongside significant bruising, she said her knees were injured, and her front teeth were knocked out. 

“My whole face, it’s like a whole list of broken.” 

She was grateful to be recovering for her children, one of whom was autistic. 

“... My daughter has special needs. I’m just glad I’m healing now, and she’s going to be okay. 

“I know my son would have been okay, but with my daughter, she’s like literally glued to me ... She had the worst time while I was in hospital, but now she’s really happy.” 

She feared she might experience post-traumatic stress when she thought about returning to a gym. 

Her message to other women concerned about violence was to “just leave” at the first red flag. 

Specialist family violence service Shine told the Herald that one in two New Zealand women experienced physical or sexualised violence from an intimate partner or ex-partner in their lifetime. 

No matter how it was done, family violence was never okay, it said. 

“All people who experience violence deserve help and support to be safe, and all people who use violence should be held accountable.” 

Anyone experiencing family violence was encouraged to contact Shine’s free helpline for confidential support. 

A 20-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and theft. 

He is due to reappear in the Auckland District Court on October 13. 

FAMILY VIOLENCE 

How to get help:
If you're in danger now:
• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.
• Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you.
• Take the children with you. Don't stop to get anything else.
• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.
Where to go for help or more information:
• Women's Refuge: Crisis line – 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)
• Shine: Helpline – 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)
• It's Not Ok: Family violence information line – 0800 456 450
• Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children.
• Crisis line – 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)
• Ministry of Justice: For information on family violence
• Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga: National Network of Family Violence Services
• White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men's violence towards women.
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