Coffs Harbour sexual assault survivor warns her attacker still free
A decision to stop during a morning walk to read passages from her bible while watching the sunrise irrevocably changed Yvonne Cole's life.
WARNING: This story contains content that readers may find distressing.
Ms Cole was the victim of a violent sexual assault off a popular track she had been walking along during a visit to Coffs Harbour on the New South Wales Mid North Coast on May 8 last year.
She decided to share her story publicly online a year on from the attack after being told a police investigation had been suspended due to a lack of evidence.
In a statement, NSW Police confirmed the investigation had been suspended pending further developments.
The mother of four from Bega on the NSW Far South Coast had travelled with members of her local Country Women's Association branch to attend the annual state conference in Coffs Harbour.
Ms Cole said she went for a walk along Coffs Creek on the morning of the fourth day of the conference.
Seconds after stopping to watch the sunrise in a clearing just a metre from the walkway, Ms Cole said she was tackled to the ground from behind.
She said she was repeatedly knocked unconscious by a male attacker during the lengthy assault.
"He had me pinned down by a large stick across my shoulders, so I couldn't get up," she said.
After regaining consciousness at one point during the assault, she recalled an object being "violently" forced inside her vagina.
"I was in a lot of pain; what he was doing was horrifically painful, but I was absolutely terrified that he was going to kill me," she said.
Knocked unconscious again, the offender then fled.
Police estimated Ms Cole was unconscious for several hours before being assisted by a passer-by.
Ms Cole recalled overhearing passers-by decide not to render help because they presumed she was a rough sleeper.
Trips to various hospitals, including being admitted to an intensive care unit for sepsis due to her internal injuries, counselling and meetings with police detectives have taken place in the year since Ms Cole was assaulted.
Ms Cole praised the efforts of local police and detectives with the NSW Sex Crimes Squad, who she said regularly checked in with her husband while she recovered in hospital.
As the first anniversary of the attack approached this year, Ms Cole said she was told by detectives the investigation was being suspended due to a lack of evidence.
She said her request for police to make a public appeal for more information was rejected.
In a statement, NSW Police said their investigation included "a media stand up and a public appeal for information across several platforms" but that "no new information came to light".
"Despite extensive inquiries taking place, the matter has not yet resolved, and the investigation has been suspended pending further developments," police said.
Ms Cole said while she respected the efforts of police, she decided to post her own public appeal to social media to warn others in the community.
"I'm a pretty private person, it wasn't something I was keen to do," she said.
Ms Cole experienced an outpouring of support from the CWA.
"We tried to protect Yvonne as much as we could, to allow her the space she needed," CWA Far South Coast president Stephanie Stanhope said.
"She's a very strong person."
Ms Cole said the association offered emotional and financial support.
"It's definitely a great sisterhood," Ms Cole said.
Anyone with information about the attack can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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