A nurse has opened up about the disturbing levels of trauma and neglect frontline workers are confronted with on a daily basis in remote communities in the Northern Territory.
Warning: This story contains content that some readers may find disturbing.
Rachel Hale has spoken out about confronting incidents of child abuse she witnessed first-hand while working in the public health system in Alice Springs as the territory and federal government grapple with how to handle a crime wave plaguing the town.
READ MORE: What is happening in Alice Springs?
"In my career, I've seen a child aged four come in with anal warts. I've seen a girl as young as six with vaginal sores," the nurse of 14 years told 9News.
"Last year, there was a two-year-old who was raped."
Hale moved to the NT seven years ago and flies into Alice Springs for work every eight weeks.
She claimed the abuse is just a snippet of the disturbing stories that are often not heard about in the media, but are happening daily in Central Australia.
https://omny.fm/shows/ben-fordham-full-show/kids-are-being-raped-at-home-harrowing-call-from-a/embed?style=coverCrime is on the rise in Alice Springs, with residents reporting a surge of break-ins, vandalism and alcohol-related assaults.
The latest data released by NT Police showed alcohol-related assault jumped 55 per cent in the last year to November, while domestic and common assault both increased by 43 per cent and 54 per cent, respectively.
Commercial break-ins were up 56 per cent and reports of property damage climbed by almost 60 per cent.
Hale said crime and anti-social behaviour are out-of-control, with vision she posted on social media of what she could see from her hotel balcony on the weekend just an example of what locals witness on any given night.
Children run rampant through the streets, hitting and kicking stunned pub patrons and spitting on publicans.
"I have never felt so terrified in my life, I feared for my life that night," she said.
This comes after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's six-hour visit to Alice Springs last week.
He announced new alcohol restrictions, some starting on Monday, which aim to reduce the availability of takeaway grog.
But Hale said politicians are missing the key issues.
"The home life of these children is horrific," she said.
"It's much safer for these kids to be on the street than at home."
A report from the newly appointed Central Australia regional controller will be handed to the Commonwealth this week, mapping out a plan forward on alcohol restrictions.
But for locals on the ground, there is a much bigger issue at play.
Mayor Matt Paterson earlier said "senseless and destructive behaviour" was a continual problem in Alice Springs as he called for intervention and better police resources.
"It needs to get better. We need help. As I said, people are leaving Alice Springs in droves," Paterson said.
"If we don't address it, there will be no Alice Springs left."
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
