Epping Shopping Centre: Muslim women injured in separate ‘prejudiced’ attacks within minutes of each other

The response to ‘prejudiced’ attacks on two Muslim women in Victoria is under the spotlight after one of the victims said she felt ignored by police and feared for her safety.

Whittlesea detectives are investigating after the women were assaulted at Epping Shopping Centre on February 13.

Police say an unidentified woman assaulted a 30-year-old Lalor woman inside the High Street centre about 1.10pm, 10 minutes later the same offender pushed a 26-year-old Wollert woman to the ground before fleeing.

Both women sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Their alleged attacker is still on the run.

Detectives believe the victims were targeted because they were wearing head coverings and are treating the incidents as “prejudice-motivated attacks”.

One of the women told Nine News she was grocery shopping when a random woman slapped her across the face and shoved her to the ground.

“This lady, like out of nowhere, just came and like it was a punch, smack, something like that, right across my left side,” she told 9News.

“I’m an Australian citizen, I was born here. Getting attacked in your own country is a bit wild.”

On Monday, the Australian National Imams Council issued a statement condemning the “heinous and barbaric” attacks, saying they represented a “horrifying escalation of Islamophobic violence targeted at innocent people in our communities simply because of their faith”.

“Both victims, one of whom is pregnant, were taken to Northern Hospital by ambulance for treatment after being left with bruises, scratches, and potentially long-term physical injuries.

“Despite the prompt response of police and ambulance officers at the scene, the aftermath of this incident has left the victims feeling ignored and fearing for their safety.”

The Imams said that one of the victims had been subjected to online threats after she posted about the incident on Facebook and that police had minimised her concerns, actions they say endangered lives and emboldened perpetrators.

”We insist on an overhaul of current protocols to ensure that all Islamophobic attacks are taken seriously, and that those affected receive the necessary follow-up and referrals to victim support services,” they wrote.

“We demand justice for the victims and assert that no act of hate should be minimised or ignored. It is imperative to ensure the safety and dignity of every individual, regardless of faith.”

Victoria Police said detectives had engaged with the victims on Tuesday and both were being provided with support from multicultural liaison officers.

“Police are also investigating a report of online threats being made against one of the victims,” a police statement read.

“Victoria Police detectives are provided with specialist training in relation to investigating prejudice-motivated crime.

“Local police have increased patrols around the shopping centre precinct.

“There is absolutely no place in our society for discriminatory, racist, or hate-based behaviour and such activity will not be tolerated.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au