Boolaroo: A Victim's Perspective

I still remember the day it happened, as if it were yesterday. It was a normal evening in Boolaroo, the sun setting over the lake. I was walking home from the shops, lost in thought, when I felt a sharp pain in my back. I turned around and saw a man with a knife, his eyes filled with rage.
In that moment, time seemed to slow down. I could see his every move, hear his every word. He lunged at me again, but I dodged his attack and ran for my life. I could hear his footsteps behind me, getting closer with every step. I ran until my lungs burned and my legs gave out. I collapsed on the ground, exhausted and terrified.
As I lay there, waiting for the inevitable, I thought about my life. I thought about my family, my friends, and all the things I had yet to do. I wondered why this had happened to me. Why me?
Suddenly, I heard a noise. I opened my eyes and saw a group of people running towards me. They were shouting and screaming, trying to scare off my attacker. He turned and ran, disappearing into the night.
I was taken to the hospital and treated for my wounds. I was lucky to be alive. The knife had missed my vital organs, but I had a long road to recovery ahead of me.
In the weeks and months that followed, I struggled to come to terms with what had happened. I had nightmares, flashbacks, and panic attacks. I was afraid to leave my house, afraid that I would be attacked again.
But I also had the support of my family and friends. They helped me through the tough times, and they gave me the strength to carry on.
Slowly but surely, I began to heal. I went to therapy, I joined a support group, and I started to talk about what had happened. It was hard at first, but it helped me to process my trauma and to move on with my life.
I still have scars from that night, both physical and emotional. But I am not defined by them. I am a survivor. And I am stronger than ever before.
I share my story because I want others to know that they are not alone. If you have been the victim of a violent crime, please know that there is help available. There are people who care about you and want to help you heal.