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Police have asked people not to name anyone on social media and to speak to them after several reports of sexual assault, sexual harassment and rape by a group of Wellington musicians. (File photo)
The public has been asked not to name people on social media as it could negatively impact a police investigation into allegations of sexual assault, sexual harassment or rape by a group of Wellington musicians.
Speaking to the media at Wellington’s central police station on Tuesday, Detective Inspector John van den Heuvel said a small number of complaints had been filed and are currently under investigation.
There would be a team of 12 investigators and the police were in the assembly phase at this time, he said.
This comes after at least 60 people shared their experiences on social media claiming they had been sexually assaulted, sexually harassed, drugged or raped by the Wellington group of musicians.
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While the police understood the public’s concerns, van den Heuvel said he asked people to refrain from naming anyone on social media as it could “unfairly target evil and have a negative impact on the police investigation.”
It was difficult to say for sure whether it was the first time a complaint had been filed about these people, he said.
Most of the alleged crimes occurred in the Wellington city area, he said.
I expected more people to show up.
Tom Lee / Stuff
Victims advocate Louise Nicholas has asked people to come forward and speak to the police. (File photo)
Speaking on behalf of some people who have come forward, Victim Advocate Louise Nicholas encouraged people to speak to the police.
They would be “extremely safe,” he said.
The complaints allege sexual abuse of both women and men, some as young as 13 years old, most in Wellington, but some in Auckland and abroad.
“The police urge people not to name names or post personal details on social media and instead give any relevant details to the police, so that we can make the proper inquiries,” a police spokeswoman said Tuesday. .
Anyone with information can contact the police on 105 and refer to Operation Esmeralda.
Local musicians have also taken to their social media platforms to encourage people to speak up about any cases of sexual abuse.
A former manager of one of the musicians said they were learning about the allegations as they were posted on social media.
The former manager said they had not spoken to the musician for four months.
Monique Ford / Stuff
Councilwoman Tamatha Paul was meeting with a group of people, victim advocate Louise Nicholas and the Wellington Police Sexual Assault Team. (File photo)
Wellington City Councilor Tamatha Paul has been helping a group of people who have filed complaints.
Paul along with Nicholas met with the Wellington Police sexual assault team and group on Tuesday.
People in the hospitality sector have also spoken out against the alleged behavior.
Hoff Hospitality Group’s Matt McLaughlin said the industry came together to raise awareness of these allegations as they came to light on social media. He had also contacted the police.
As a former branch president of Hospitality New Zealand, McLaughlin said that most of the industry members were trained in Sexual Assault Prevention Training and worked closely with law enforcement as they considered themselves to be “socially responsible” with community.
Tim Ward, co-owner of Club 121 and co-founder of San Fran, said he was “absolutely disgusted by any predatory behavior.”
“We work hard to keep our staff and our customers safe,” he said.
Staff at both locations had received training or were improving their skills to ensure that the environments were safe for clients and themselves.
Where to get help for sexual violence
- Rape crisis 0800 88 33 00, click on the link for local help lines.
- Support for victims 0800 842 846, text 4334, safetotalk.nz web chat or email [email protected].
- Port Online information and support for people affected by sexual abuse.
- Women’s shelter 0800733843 (female only)
- Male survivors Aotearoa Helplines in New Zealand, click for more information (male only).
- If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.
Need help? If you or someone you know is in a dangerous situation, click the Shielded icon at the bottom of this website to communicate with Women’s Refuge in a secure and anonymous manner without your browser history being tracked. If you are in our application, visit the mobile website here to access Shielded.
