A quick attack, on a very cold morning in Gallarate, in the province of Varese, while he was walking fast on his way to work. It was 5.30 when he saw a stranger appear before him in the dark, described by him as being around 30 years old, perhaps a stranger, some details of which he had time to notice before feeling intense pain. The man actually repeatedly punched her in the face, knocking her to the ground before sexually assaulting her.
After being hit in the face, the 53 year old woman tried to react so as not to be overwhelmed. After a few minutes, the stranger disappeared into the darkness from which he had emerged, leaving his victim injured and in shock. Someone saw or heard the 53-year-old man and called 112. Together with healthcare staff, carabinieri from the Gallarate company intervened and collected the statement of the 53-year-old man who was transported to hospital under code yellow. Investigators coordinated by Public Prosecutor Busto Arsizio Roberto Bonfanti immediately began the investigation. The hunt for the attacker also involved surveillance camera footage in the area, but not only that. During the day, the military also heard statements from several witnesses who were at least able to witness the attacker’s escape.
The hope, at this point, is that the wanted person has a criminal record, very plausible facts, or could be one of the familiar faces to the police force hanging around the city or at least in the city center or train station.
This news comes on the eve of the international day against violence against women, and hours after the publication of the latest Istat data showing that around 6.4 million (31.9%) Italian women, aged between 16 and 75, have experienced at least one physical or sexual violence in their lives.
Around 2.4 million women experienced physical violence or threats from relatives, friends, colleagues, acquaintances or strangers. Of this number, more than 3.8 million people suffered physical abuse of a sexual nature. Rape and attempted rape, approximately 705,500, were experienced by 3.5% of women.
