**Shocking: UK Woman Assaulted by 30 Men in Italy**
A 19-year-old British university student, known as Imogen, has bravely shared her traumatic experience of being sexually assaulted by a group of around 30 men in Milan during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Imogen described the attack as a terrifying “fight for survival” and criticised the lack of police presence and security measures during the event.
A Night of Celebration Turns to Horror
Imogen and her friends had traveled to Milan to welcome the new year, joining the crowds at Piazza del Duomo to witness the fireworks display. Alongside two male friends from England and a group of Belgian students, they were enjoying the festive atmosphere until things took a dark turn.
As the night progressed, Imogen and her friends noticed the crowd becoming more unruly. Men wearing balaclavas were launching fireworks into the crowd, and the situation quickly escalated. Just moments before midnight, Imogen and a friend left to find a restroom. Upon their return, they were ambushed by a group of men who physically restrained Imogen while others groped her and attempted to remove her clothing.
“They Enjoyed My Distress”
Imogen described the men’s actions as sadistic, noting that they seemed to derive pleasure from her fear. Despite her struggles to break free, the assault persisted until she managed to escape with the help of her friends. Unfortunately, the attackers pursued them, physically assaulting one of her friends and attempting to grab Imogen again. She also witnessed another woman being held and attacked nearby.
“I tried to intervene, and she managed to escape, but then they turned on me again,” Imogen recounted. Eventually, the chaos subsided, allowing her group to flee the scene.
Wider Implications and Ongoing Investigation
Imogen and her friends sought help from the police, initially met with indifference until they showed evidence of their injuries. A female officer eventually comforted Imogen, acknowledging the prevalence of such assaults and identifying the attackers as Bangladeshi men.
The incident has sparked comparisons to similar assaults during New Year’s Eve in Cologne, Germany, prompting Milan prosecutors to launch an investigation. Imogen has been vocal in dispelling victim-blaming narratives, emphasizing that no one is immune to sexual assault regardless of appearance or behavior.
Imogen’s focus now is on healing and pursuing legal action through the Italian embassy. She hopes her story will shed light on the issue and prevent future incidents. As the investigation progresses, the assault has ignited public outrage and emphasized the need for improved safety measures at large events in Italy and beyond.