[ad_1]
A whistleblower has spoken out for the first time amid a series of allegations of sexual assault, sexual harassment, rape and drug addiction by a group of Wellington musicians.
The 20-year-old is asking others who may have similar experiences to come forward and talk to the police, as her “little piece of the puzzle” can help form “the biggest part of the puzzle.”
It comes after several allegations were made public on social media earlier this week about a group of Wellington musicians, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, drugs and rape.
An unidentified woman said that at least 60 people, both men and women, sent her messages with similar allegations related to the same group, which she later posted anonymously online.
READ MORE:
* The club offers to pay to train staff from other locations to detect sexual violence
* Some Wellington bars prohibit musicians who face multiple complaints of sexual assault.
* The public is urged to contact the police, not to post on social media after the rape accusations against the Wellington musicians.
Police opened an investigation, dubbed Operation Esmeralda, and urged people to speak to them and refrain from posting on social media.
On Thursday, police said investigations were underway into “a series of allegations of sexual assault.”
“To protect the privacy of those who have come forward to make a complaint and the ongoing veracity of the investigation, we will not provide any updates at this time.”
With the support of City Councilwoman Tamatha Paul, who is an advocate for whistleblowers, and advocate for victims of sexual abuse, Louise Nicholas, the woman decided to speak publicly.
Stuff He has not named her for legal reasons, but may reveal that he has filed a complaint with the police for historical indecent assault.
The woman said the process had made her feel stronger and was encouraged by the support she received from the police and other whistleblowers.
“I trust that the justice system will do justice … The hardest part [of the police process] you are telling the story yourself. The emotional aspect is the most difficult. But I feel like this huge weight has been lifted from me.
Monique Ford / Stuff
City Councilor Tamatha Paul acts as an advocate for the whistleblowers and encouraged the woman to speak up.
“All of us [the complainants] I felt that our individual situations were not important enough to inform. That mindset is the problem.
“The definition of sexual assault is non-consensual sexual contact. Whether it’s a slap on the butt or a rape, it’s a crime. “
When the incident initially occurred, the woman said that she sought help from a support service for women and friends, but that the council did not help her.
“What happened was the minimization of what happened. I felt that something was wrong and did not know what to do about it. So I asked for advice … the culture of the advice I received was minimalist, ‘there’s not much you can do’ [they said]. “
His messages to other people with similar experiences were simple: “Don’t let him go, don’t let him go, go to the police.”
“Be brave, report it … I also encourage people not to compare their situations, the little thing that happened to you is part of a bigger picture.
“Your story alone can be much bigger and show a pattern of behavior … if more people keep reporting themselves, the police can build a picture and give them more information, so they can deal with the people causing harm.
Tom Lee / Stuff
Victims advocate Louise Nicholas is supporting a group of people who have filed complaints or are considering filing complaints with the police amid the recent allegations.
He urged people not to share their experiences on social media.
People can get “immediate gratification” by accessing social media, but they would regret it, he said.
“The people who hurt you will not get the justice they deserve.”
The online activity led some people to pursue “self-righteousness,” he said.
“You are putting some people in danger for no legitimate reason.”
While he was against the name online, allegations on social media showed that one person can make a difference in normalizing conversations about sexual assault, he said.
Stuff Nor has it named the accused or the social media platform where the accusations were made, for legal reasons.
The woman wanted people to “prepare” for incidents involving sexual assault.
“As sad as it is, there is a culture here where this happens a lot and you need to know how to keep yourself in these situations. It is as important as being prepared for a fire, earthquake, or tsunami. You just have to prepare. “
He also urged people to understand that the recent allegations were not a “Wellington music problem.”
Wellington musicians are not responsible. That culture has no place … it is a universal problem of the people, “he said.
Anyone with information can contact the police through 105 and consult Operation Esmeralda.
Where to get help
-
Rape crisis 0800 88 33 00.
-
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, please click the Shielded icon at the bottom of this website to communicate with Women’s Refuge safely and anonymously without being traced to your browser history. If you are in our application, visit the mobile website here to access Shielded.
