Dragged into an laneway and raped by a stranger just metres from a busy Melbourne intersection after a night out with friends, a teenager says the assault has changed her life.
Police hope a $500,000 reward will help find the attacker before he strikes again.
The 18-year-old woman was walking to catch a tram when dragged off Flinders Street in the early hours of Saturday, June 9, last year.
It's alleged the assailant came out of a hostel and followed 'Amy' down Swanston Street, putting his arm around her and attempting to kiss her before dragging her into the laneway and locking high metal gates behind them.
"It had a very big effect on my life," Amy said, speaking publicly on Tuesday for the first time.
"At first, I was just fully in denial but it ended up making things more difficult for myself."
Struggling with what happened to her, Amy was unable to focus at university and ceased her studies.
"It left me more scared in general ... more cautious, less trusting and always on edge," she said.
"I was never scared of walking alone - I always felt quite confident.
"It definitely changed me and my relationship to myself in a lot of ways."
Detectives have re-released images of a man they believe is aged in his 20s and of African appearance, they want to talk to.
They also want to speak to two men who helped the distraught victim after the assault.
"This is a horrendous crime that occurred at what is probably the busiest intersection in Melbourne," Detective Inspector Steve Wilson said.
"We know there were plenty of people around at that time, so I'd urge anyone who remembers seeing anything on that night to come forward.
"We're always concerned people like this will strike again ... the fact they've struck once, he could possibly do it again."
Australian Associated Press
