The incident began when the victim and offender got into a verbal argument, after which the victim left the property and stopped on Harbour Terrace. The victim has then been approached by two members of the public asking if she was OK before leaving a short time afterwards.
A few minutes after this encounter, the offender has walked up to the victim, assaulted her and began dragging her along the ground. When the offender has let her go, the victim has seen the same two members of the public, has run up to them and asked for help. The offender has then dismissed the victims claims to need help before the two members of the public have then walked off again.
The victim has then tried to approach a house for help before the offender has again assaulted her. Another member of the public has then seen this assault and yelled to the offender to stop, at which time the victim has run over to the property, and the occupant has called police.
As the occupant was calling police, the victim has left the property with the offender in an effort to collect their mobile phone, and the offender has then continued to assault her before Police arrived and the offender was arrested.
Police would like to hear from the initial two members of the public who came into contact with the victim on Harbour Terrace, or anyone else who may have witnessed the assault.
If you know who these two members of the public are, or have any information about the incident, please contact Constable Allen Wilson at the Dunedin Central Police Station on (03) 471 4800.
Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously via the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.