The mother of a 12-year-old girl who was brutally bashed in broad daylight near Brisbane says she is furious the attack was filmed and posted online.
In an exclusive interview with 9News, she has called for those who filmed the attack to be punished as well.
Footage allegedly shows an 11-year-old girl throwing punches at a 12-year-old in the middle of a busy shopping centre at Redland Bay.
The victim, who is not being identified, said the assailant “went behind and grabbed my hair, pulled it over my head and just started punching me”.
The video of the attack has been clipped up, set to music and posted to social media where it has been viewed by thousands of people.
The attacker was with a group of children, including the 11-year-old alleged to be involved, after going to the cinema, but it’s unclear what sparked the incident.
The victim’s mother said the footage “broke her heart”.
“They were just cheering on the other girl and that’s disgusting in itself,” she said.
“I hate it, I want it removed but it’s out there on the internet out there for everyone to see.”
Experts say the victim could be forced to relive the ordeal via the video being there.
“When that happens to someone they actually relive that trauma every time not only they see the video but also knowing how many people have seen the video,” Karen Sutherland from the University of Sunshine Coast said.
The victim said it was a security guard who phoned police, but the children were gone by the time they arrived.
Both the mother and daughter have now made statements at the Redland Bay Police Station.
No charges have been laid.
