Later, Joe Clark returned to Genoa City to stay with Avery because her home was wheelchair-accessible. Unbeknownst to her, Joe had regained his ability to walk and was hiding his progress so he could stay close to her. When the truth was revealed, Avery was livid and Joe threatened to tell the police that she had tried to kill him by pushing him off the balcony if she didn't agree to sleep with him (via Soaps). Undeterred by his threat, Avery immediately kicked him out of her place and her life.
Things remained tense between Joe and Avery and she ultimately filed a restraining order against him. Eventually, she asked Joe to meet her in the park so they could settle things for good, but they argued instead and Joe grabbed her. They parted ways, but just after this altercation, Avery was viciously attacked and sexually assaulted, according to Soap Central. Avery was convinced that Joe was the culprit, and after she recovered from her injuries, she stole Dylan's gun and went after her ex. Joe maintained his innocence in Avery's attack though he admitted to the other ways in which he had tried to manipulate her. Eventually, the identity of Avery's assailant was revealed and Joe's name was cleared. Ashamed of accusing an innocent man of rape, Avery decided to give up her career as a defense attorney and left town to start fresh, promising her loved ones she would return someday (via Soap Opera News).
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
