By Yan Zhuang and Simone Fox Koob
A young woman who was groped outside the State Library of Victoria said her attacker gained her trust before sexually assaulting her.
Police are appealing for information about her unknown assailant, who approached her around 6.30pm on June 27, struck up a conversation, and offered her a massage. He then sexually assaulted her.
The victim at a press conference at the Victorian Police Media Centre on Monday. Credit: AAP
"He asked if I could take a picture of him, then we just started talking," the 20-year-old university student said.
The man was confident and friendly and asked her questions, including where she was from and what she had been doing that night.
"We chatted for a bit, he asked me if I wanted a massage but then proceeded to grope me," the victim said. "It was super, super uncomfortable."
The man was described as being of Indian sub-continental appearance, aged in his mid-20s to early 30s with a solid build, brown or black curly hair, and dark-coloured eyes. He was wearing a red jumper, dark pants, light-coloured sneakers and a watch.
Detectives are investigating following a sexual assault at a Melbourne library last month.Credit: Victoria Police
The victim said the attack had made it more difficult for her to be friendly towards people and that she was always on guard.
"I feel pretty violated and taken advantage of, because I'd say I'm pretty friendly and try to be nice to people, and for that to be taken advantage of is really rough," she said.
The woman was composed for most of the press conference but struggled to answer when she was asked what she would say to the man. She said she wanted him to come forward.
"Because I'd like to know who it is and I don't want it to happen to anyone else," she said.
"I don't want anyone else to be taken advantage of in the way I was."
Constable Cass Gray described the crime as "disgusting".
"It's not something anyone, any young person, any person at all, should have to put up with," she said.
Police have released CCTV footage of a man they wish to speak to in relation to the assault.
Constable Gray said no witnesses had come forward and urged anyone who saw the man or the incident to contact police.
"It occurred in a public area at a time where there would have been a lot of people around, about 6.30 at night. We are sure there are witnesses out there who would have seen that man or even the incident that occurred."
She called on the man to turn himself in.
Anyone who recognises the man or with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au