Aussie mum renews calls for her alleged rapist to be charged

A Gold Coast mum has spoken out about the horrific ordeal – which she says was only made worse by going to the police.

Chantel suffered a number of injuries during her alleged rape, including broken bones. Picture: Supplied

EXCLUSIVE

A Gold Coast mum who says she was “violently and brutally” raped behind a pub has renewed calls for police to charge her alleged attacker.

Chantel, 37, was left with fractured bones, ripped pants and a broken bra after a man she had briefly chatted with while at a friend’s birthday party led her outside of the Hinterland Hotel.

She says he then pulled her hair, pushed her to the ground before raping her.

Chantel has asked to have her face blurred to protect her identity. Picture: Supplied

The Gold Coast mum was in a long-term ten year relationship with her son’s father at the time of the alleged assault. Picture: Supplied

The attack happened in a blind spot on the hotel’s CCTV, however, the alleged attacker was caught on CCTV sprinting away from the scene.

She was taken to hospital for her injuries. However, she says the horrific ordeal was made even worse when she reported the incident to police.

“They said, we have to ask this for everyone in your position, but are you sure that you don’t just regret it?” she said.

“I remember sitting there so confused, still in shock, thinking, regret what? No one asks for that to happen to them.”

Chantel suffered multiple injuries during the attack, including a broken arm. Picture: Supplied

After two weeks, police found the alleged attacker and sat him down for a formal interview.

He told them the act was consensual and was released. Police told Chantel – who was in her early 30s at the time – that there was “insufficient evidence” to charge him.

She was told, however, that he would receive a lifetime ban from the pub – a fact which provided little comfort.

“No one consents to broken bones and their body beaten,” she said.

“And their response was that they couldn’t prove he caused the injuries and said that it could have been anyone.”

The man was given a lifetime ban from the hotel. Picture: Google

Chantel – who was in a ten-year relationship with her son’s father at the time of the attack – was also told he was simply “running home” on the CCTV footage.

Chantel has since lodged a complaint with Queensland Police about its handling of her case. Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll conceded at the time that the officer’s language was “inappropriate.”

The man allegedly led Chantel outside the hotel to help her find her friends. Picture: Google

Ahead of the anniversary of her alleged rape, Chantel said she wished to renew calls for the man to be charged as part of the news.com.au’s #TakeTheStand campaign.

Chantel said she was “embarrassed” after the alleged crime.

She has since decided not to “stay silent”.

Chantel says she was strangled during the attack, leaving her with bruises around her neck. Picture: Supplied

She broke her arm in two places. Picture: Supplied

However, Chantel still can’t understand why police decided not to pursue charges.

“I was screaming, I was trying to get away. That’s not what someone that is enjoying it does,” she said.

“None of it ever has ever made sense to me.”

She was also left with cuts inside her mouth. Picture: Supplied

Chantel says she was left with scratch marks up her leg due to being dragged along the ground at one stage. Picture: Supplied

This is the first time Chantel has ever agreed to have her real name affiliated with the case.

“I really didn’t want to really talk to anyone about it. I felt disgusted and embarrassed and that it was my fault,” she said.

“It’s just so wrong. At least give me my chance in court to tell my story.”

In a statement to news.com.au, Queensland Police said they considered the matter “finalised”.

”This case has been reviewed by numerous supervisors and senior detectives who concluded that without any further evidence the complaint could not be progressed further,” they said.

”Criminal investigations relating to sexual offending are often complex in nature and we acknowledge that protracted investigations can be difficult for victims.

”As this matter is presently finalised, no further information is available.”

The Hinterland Hotel has been contacted for comment.

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