Autistic Young Woman Sexually Assaulted in Bat Yam Hotel, Family Seeks Justice

Yael, a 19-year-old woman on the autism spectrum with epilepsy and 100% disability, was violently raped by 51-year-old Rafael Sherga in a Bat Yam hotel apartment. According to the indictment filed on August 19, Sherga lured Yael, whom he did not know, from a café where she was sitting alone, promising to pamper her before assaulting her. Her brother Alon overheard suspicious sounds during a phone call with Yael and immediately alerted the police, interrupting the attack and enabling Sherga's swift arrest.

The family describes the profound trauma Yael endures, including flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, worsened by the recent loss of their mother who was Yael's primary caregiver. Yael struggles with sleep and emotional distress, expressing fear that Sherga might harm her again despite his detention. She has begun medication to cope with the psychological impact and refuses male therapists due to her trauma.

Alon emphasized the family's determination to see Sherga convicted and imprisoned, highlighting the dangers faced by vulnerable individuals with disabilities. The police and prosecution acted promptly and sensitively, recognizing the challenges victims with cognitive impairments face during investigations. Sherga remains in custody pending trial on charges of aggravated rape, sexual offenses, and exploitation of a person with intellectual disability.

Attorney Gabi Lieberman, representing the family, condemned Sherga's predatory behavior and praised law enforcement's professionalism. She called for society to protect vulnerable populations striving for normal lives amid a harsh world. The family hopes the court will impose a severe sentence to prevent further harm and provide justice for Yael.

Summary: A 19-year-old autistic woman was sexually assaulted in a Bat Yam hotel by a 51-year-old man who lured her from a café; her brother's quick action led to the suspect's arrest, and the family seeks justice amid her ongoing trauma.

Points: - Yael, autistic and disabled, was raped by Rafael Sherga in a Bat Yam hotel on August 6. - Her brother overheard the assault, called police, and interrupted the attack. - Sherga was arrested quickly and charged with aggravated rape and sexual offenses. - Yael suffers severe trauma, nightmares, and fears Sherga despite his detention. - The family demands Sherga’s conviction and highlights risks to disabled individuals. - Police and prosecution handled the case with sensitivity and professionalism.

Topic: security israel_relevant: true entities: {"people":["Yael","Rafael Sherga","Alon","Gabi Lieberman"],"organizations":["Bat Yam Police Station","Prosecution"],"places":["Bat Yam","Israel"]}