A fifteen-year-old alleged rape victim, who has been waiting more than two years for her day in court, has this week had her case adjourned for a fifth time.
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The young girl, who has tried to take her own life three times during the course of protracted court proceedings, is waning in her resolve to try the case.
The Wagga girl was just 12 when a family friend – who is now in custody – allegedly raped her.
The accused faces charges relating to grooming a child, using social media to disseminate pornography and several rape charges.
After 26 months the alleged victim was preparing for a hearing set down for Tuesday when the accused changed his legal representation and was granted an extension.
“My daughter has to watch the DVDs of her original statement to prepare her for the court hearing and she keeps having to relive the same nightmare,” the girl’s mother said.
"She's tried to kill herself three times while all this has been going on.
"She's being bullied at school because everyone knows what's happened.”
The mother, who manages a Wagga charity organisation, claimed justice delayed was justice denied.
“My daughter is at the point that she doesn't want to go back to court again, she's happy to let it all go,” she said.
“She can't keep reliving it.
"The system tells us to teach our kids to be open about these things (sex assaults etc) but then the system doesn't support us.”
The mother was highly complimentary of police, but felt let down by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
“The DPP is saying it is out of their hands and is up to the judge in the court but that doesn't help us,” she said.
“It’s taking a massive psychological toll on our family.
“I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD.”
The DPP declined to comment, other than to say “court listing is a matter for the district court”.
