Ellen Halbert faced a terrifying assault in her Texas residence when an 18-year-old intruder attacked her with a large hammer and knife. This traumatic event in 1986 changed Halbert’s life forever, as the assailant, dressed as a ninja, had hidden in her attic and ambushed her when she was alone in the house. Despite her pleas for him to leave, the attacker proceeded to subdue and assault her for two hours, subjecting her to rape, multiple stabbings, and hammer strikes.
Following the brutal attack, Halbert managed to contact her parents for help after the assailant left her incapacitated with an 800-dollar check. Her parents promptly called the authorities, leading to the perpetrator’s arrest when he tried to cash the check. The aftermath of the assault required Halbert to undergo extensive surgeries to heal the wounds inflicted on her head and neck.
In addition to physical injuries, Halbert struggled with emotional trauma and stress-related ailments in the aftermath of the attack. Despite the challenges, she persevered through therapy and support from fellow survivors to overcome the ordeal. Halbert later testified against her attacker in court, leading to his conviction for attempted murder, though he was not charged with rape.
The lasting effects of the assault, including the dissolution of her marriage and job loss, prompted Halbert to advocate for victims of violent crimes. She channeled her experience into serving on the Texas Board of Criminal Justice and participating in programs like Bridges to Life, where she shared her story with inmates to educate them about the impact of their actions on victims and their loved ones.