Police investigating two Sydney home invasions allege the women were choked, punched and restrained with duct tape, with one also sexually assaulted after being threatened with a knife.
Police believe the attacks were planned, with the women allegedly targeted because the intruders thought they would be home alone and might have money inside.
The first alleged attack happened about midnight on Tuesday when a group of men forced their way into an Arncliffe home.
Police said the intruders allegedly threatened a 31-year-old woman with a knife, sexually assaulted her and stole money.
Two days later, about 12.30am on Thursday three men allegedly broke into a Bankstown unit, assaulted a 32-year-old woman and stole money.
Both women were taken to hospital for treatment of minor physical injuries.
Sex Crimes Squad commander Detective Superintendent Virginia Gorman condemned the “excessive violence” allegedly used against the women, who were home alone.
“I believe that [the offenders] have done some research and they believe that these women might be home alone and might have money on the premises,” she said.
She said the women had been choked, punched and restrained with duct tape, describing the alleged violence as “over the top”.
Despite their physical injuries being described as minor, Detective Superintendent Gorman said the psychological trauma would take a long time to recover from.
“I simply can’t believe men would think this is OK,” she said.
Police are investigating whether the men were planning to target a third woman.
Three arrested over Sydney home invasions
Investigators combined the two cases under Strike Force Forela before searching properties in Belmore, Punchbowl and Greenacre about 7.45pm on Thursday.
Chawkat Ibrahim El Cheikh, 20, was arrested in Belmore. His charges include aggravated break and enter, aggravated robbery, two counts of choking, common assault and an offence involving the alleged use of a weapon with others.
He was refused bail in court.
Arman Nangyal, 19, was arrested in Punchbowl and charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault.
His other charges include aggravated break and enter, aggravated robbery, two counts of choking, common assault, a weapon offence and failing to comply with an order to provide access to digital evidence.
Adam Fakhouri, 18, was arrested in Greenacre. His charges include aggravated break and enter, aggravated robbery, two counts of choking, common assault and a weapon offence.
The charges against all three men also include allegations that a person was held against their will.
Mr Nangyal and Mr Fakhouri did not apply for bail.
Their matters were adjourned to Burwood Local Court on November 18.
If you feel you have been a victim of a crime such as this, contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is managed on a confidential basis.