A 32-year-old woman has opened up about how she was left in a near-vegetative state after being viciously attacked by her abusive boyfriend.
Angela Barker, from Victoria, was just 16 years old when she tried to end the toxic relationship with her then 20-year-old boyfriend.
But the young woman was brutally bashed, kicked, punched and stomped on in a park for refusing to get back with him.
She suffered severe brain damage after being left to die in a pool of blood in 2002.
Angela Barker, from Victoria, was just 16 years old when she was left in a near-vegetative state after being viciously attacked by her abusive boyfriend
The now 32-year-old (right) struggles to talk and is now confined to a wheelchair. She tried to end the toxic relationship when she was bashed and left to die in 2002 (pictured left as a teen)
The man was convicted of intentionally causing serious injury for the assault on Angela. He was sentenced to a maximum of 10 and a half years behind bars.
Doctors thought the young woman would remain in a vegetative state for the rest of her life, but against all odds, she made a miraculous recovery.
She spent three years in hospital, rehabilitation and a nursing home before being able to return home, needing full time care.
Speaking to 9News, Ms Barker, who is confined to a wheelchair and struggles to talk, revealed the violence happened more than once during their relationship.
The young woman was told she would remain in a vegetative state for the rest of her life, but against all odds, she made a miraculous recovery (pictured second from right before attack)
Angela was bashed, punched and stomped on in a park for attempting to end the relationship
Fast forward 15 years, Ms Barker now wants to use her traumatic experience to help young Australians be aware of the dangers of toxic relationships
‘He had abused me during our relationship, both verbally and physically and he had often humiliated me in front of my friends,’ she said.
Fast forward 15 years and Ms Barker now wants to use her traumatic experience to help young Australians be aware of the dangers of toxic relationships.
‘We need to build young people’s self esteem, to stop them from thinking violent behaviour is acceptable and ending up in a violent relationship,’ she said.
If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, you can call 1800 737 732 or 1800RESPECT.