Police have issued a fresh appeal for information about an attack almost 40 years ago during which a woman was dangled from a high-rise apartment before being sexually assaulted.
The attack happened on September 25, 1982, which was the day of that year's AFL grand final.
Police said a then 19-year-old woman went to an apartment building in Fitzroy with an acquaintance named Chris, who told the victim he knew somewhere where they could watch the game.
The man known as Chris was believed to have been a friend of the victim's female neighbour.
Upon entering the apartment, the acquaintance disappeared and the woman was left alone with four older men whom she remembered speaking in a foreign language.
One of the men tried to sexually assault her, and when she resisted two of the men carried her to a window and threatened to drop her.
She was then sexually assaulted by all four men before she was able to escape.
The victim came forward in 2019 to report the historical sexual assault which, she said, had given her nightmares for close to 40 years.
"They were just grubs. I've got three people in my head that I live with and it does my head in," she said.
The woman said she was afraid to open windows in her house as a result of the attack and rarely went outside.
"My house is like a prison," she said.
The woman told police she attempted to maintain eye contact with each of her attackers and was then able to give a good description of two of the men to police.
One of the men is described as being of southern European appearance, with a stocky build.
He was wearing jeans and an Exacto brand t-shirt at the time of the attack.
Another of the men was of Caucasian appearance, with a thin build and green eyes.
He was wearing striped pyjama shorts.
Both men are believed to have been aged in their twenties at the time of the assault and would now likely be aged in their sixties.
Police want to provide 'closure' for assault victim
Detective Acting Inspector Tracy Johnston from the Sexual Crimes Squad said the victim had lived with the physical and emotional impacts of the assault for nearly 40 years.
"Historical sexual offending matters are incredibly complex, but we know someone in the community could still hold the information that might just provide police the key to delivering justice.
Police also want to speak to the acquaintance known as Chris, and the victim's female neighbour who lived at 216 Rathdowne Street in Carlton in a house that has since been demolished.
"We're keen to speak with anyone, including members of the community, who might have information about this incident. No piece of information is too small," Detective Acting Inspector Johnston said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
