Victim speaks of rape ordeal in open ward at Alice Springs Hospital

A WOMAN who survived an horrific rape in an open hospital ward has spoken of the immense damage the incident has done to her

A woman who survived an horrific rape in an open hospital ward has spoken of the immense damage the incident has done to her. (Stock picture)

• Woman raped in Alice Springs Hospital mental health ward by fellow patient

A WOMAN who survived an horrific rape at the mental health ward of the Alice Springs Hospital has spoken of the immense damage the incident has done to her.

The mental health patient was suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress at the hospital and was callously raped by another patient in an open ward with nurses nearby, the Alice Springs Supreme Court heard.

Acting Justice Dean Mildren said he received a victim impact statement from the woman detailing the harm the rapist had done to her.

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“She says she suffers from flashbacks at night. She wakes up scared with her heart racing and she is sweating,” he said.

“This got worse as the trial got close, but when you pleaded guilty she was very relieved that she didn’t have to give any evidence.

“She says she suffered from depression, anxiety suicidal thoughts and attempts. She says she doesn’t trust anyone.”

Kimberly Jackson, 25, last week pleaded guilty to rape.

Both the victim and Jackson were involuntary patients at the mental health unit.

Crown prosecutor Glen Dooley previously told the court that despite a complaint being made on the same day, the defendant was not arrested until 20 months after the rape.

“There was some initial scepticism among people at the hospital that this incident had taken place, and it was also prior to any forensic results,” Mr Dooley said.

“At the time of the offence, the mental health unit at the hospital was considered an open ward. All patients were allowed to move freely between the general ward and the high dependency unit.”

A Central Australia Health Service spokeswoman said the high dependency unit was no longer accessible from the general ward.

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“Locks have been changed on all the bedroom doors. Patients are able to close and lock their doors with entry restricted to staff only,” the spokeswoman said.

“Protocols have been updated and new procedures have been implemented as a result of this particular case.”

Jackson was sentenced to three years and 10 months in jail with a non-parole period of two years and nine months.

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