I witnessed the aftermath of a serious assault on a woman in Conway Street, Lismore in broad daylight.
This was not a minor incident. There was a substantial amount of blood and she had visible injuries. It was immediately clear that she had been subjected to significant violence.
Police took at least 30 minutes to arrive. When they did, I was concerned by what I felt was a cold response toward a woman who had just been badly assaulted. I strongly objected to the suggestion that she be placed in the back of a police wagon. She was injured, frightened and traumatised, and in my view needed medical attention, reassurance and dignity.
An ambulance did not arrive.
I had called Triple Zero, and police were later able to contact me through that call. I am therefore left with serious questions about the emergency response, including why medical assistance did not arrive.
A woman being badly beaten by a man in the middle of town, in broad daylight, with significant blood loss and visible injuries, should surely be treated as an urgent matter.
What disturbed me most was the sense that a woman without money, status or social privilege can still be left fighting to be treated with the seriousness, care and dignity she deserves.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
