Police say a Hudson Valley mother was physically and sexually assaulted in her home around Christmas in front of her young daughter. Here's how you can help the family.

Around 5:30 a.m. on Dec. 23, police say a woman was sexually assaulted inside her Wappinger Falls home by a man who allegedly broke into the home, demanded money and then physically and sexually assaulted the victim.

Following a long investigation, a 26-year-old man from Wappingers Falls was charged with predatory sexual assault, criminal sex act, assault, burglary, robbery, strangulation, all felonies, and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor.

The alleged physical and sexual assault happened in the presence of the victim's 5-year-old daughter, who wasn't touched, according to a GoFundMe set up for the victim.

"This strong and amazing woman spent that week in the hospital (including Christmas Day). She underwent back surgery to put her spine back together after being thrown down her stairs. The bruises around her neck (from being choked unconscious) and on the rest of her body were starting to heal," Sarah Perl wrote on the GoFundMe. "Throughout this whole ordeal she kept her spirits up as best as she could and never once thought about giving up mentally, emotionally or physically for herself and for her daughter."

The mother is still in pain now and will be starting physical therapy in hopes of increasing her mobility, according to the GoFundMe.

"She is now currently figuring out what her new living situation will be. The safety and comfortability she created as a homeowner, was taken from her. She never had a choice. So many things from this situation are unfair, unjust and cannot be undone. Yet, she has stayed positive and tried to keep her and her daughters life as normal as possible," Perl wrote.

The GoFundMe was started to help the mother get back on her foot and help her buy a new home.

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