 Home Campaigns Freedom From Fear Resources
Assault victim tells of double attack
18 February 2006
When a vicious robber attacked customer assistant Tracy Norton, not once but twice in the space of six weeks, she turned to Usdaw for help.
The attacks took place last year while mother-of-four Tracy, 38, worked at a petrol kiosk in Abingdon, Oxfordshire. "They were terrifying ordeals," she said. "The first robbery was traumatic enough, but the attacker then returned a few weeks later for a second try. This time he was armed with a crowbar and smashed his way through the kiosk glass. I was petrified."
Tracy was off work for eight weeks suffering from post traumatic stress, anxiety and depression.
"I've always been a union member," added Tracy. "So I rang my Usdaw official to ask what could be done.
"The union, as always, was fantastic. My organiser Mick Greene helped me put in a claim to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, a Government body which helps victims of crime. He also spoke to the company about improving security at the garage.
"The union's solicitor was brilliant. I never felt alone with the union on board. I received financial compensation from the CICA and more importantly security at the garage was reviewed."
The robber who was captured on CCTV was arrested, convicted and sentenced to almost seven years in prison. "My advice to every worker is to join the union, it's well worth it," added Tracy.
 Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
|
