The family of a woman who was reportedly stabbed in an unprovoked attack in Melbourne’s central business district says that although she has made significant strides in her physical recovery, her fear of venturing out alone lingers.

Wan Lai was en route to her workplace and had reached the intersection of Little Bourke and Spencer Streets when she was allegedly assaulted by a stranger.

In a conversation with ABC, Lai’s brother-in-law shared that while her physical wounds have healed, the emotional scars are still evident.

“She remains quite frightened when out in public,” he explained.

He added, “If a stranger approaches, she instinctively feels the need to distance herself.”

Surveillance footage captured the moment when the alleged attacker paused in front of Lai, committed the stabbing, and then quickly fled the scene.

Wan Lai told 9News she felt someone tap her from the back and turned around to be stabbed immediately.

A passerby rushed to her aid before she was taken to hospital suffering a punctured lung.

It has since been learned that her alleged attacker was on bail at the time of the attack.

She is set to apply for bail again at Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.