The aunt of a child who was sexually assaulted by an elderly man in the Dubbo region told a court the child was "bullied non-stop" at school and told to "go get raped again" by fellow students.
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READ MAIN STORY: Predator jailed for sexually assaulting child in Dubbo region
In the victim impact statement read out in court, the aunt spoke of how the child had to be taken to a hospital to undergo tests no child "should ever have to endure".
She described the child as being "carefree" and "playful" before the sexual assault. The child had loved "being hugged" but now "just flinches away".
"The day this happened the children were playing ... with friends, just like numerous other days," the aunt said. "Those days are long gone now.
"The children aren't allowed outside without adult supervision anymore. They are no longer allowed to go and have a jump on the trampoline or swing on the swing set on their own. They say they aren't allowed outside because the 'bad man' will take them away."
The aunt said the sibling who witnessed the child abduction now rarely engaged in long conversations and struggled to say "hello".
Both children have bad dreams and had difficulty sleeping.
They aunt said another family member blamed herself for the child abduction and sexual assault, and had also been blamed on social media.
"The bad days far outnumber the good," the aunt said.
"Nothing will ever be the same again."
When she faced the man who has now been jailed for the crimes, the aunt told him he had taken the "precious", "beautiful" child's innocence away.
- If this story has raised concerns for you or someone you know, and support is required, there are services who can help. You can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
