Several school students have laid complaints with Canterbury Police following the release of a sobering sexual harassment survey on school students.
In Monday's survey, commissioned by Christchurch Girls' High School (CGHS), over 400 students said they'd been sexually assaulted and more than 20 said they'd been raped.
CGHS Principal Christine O'Neill says since the release of the survey results, the nationwide support to her students has been overwhelming. She says because of this, some students feel encouraged to formally report their experiences.
"Three girls came forward yesterday to formally report incidents and nine have spoken with police and our counsellors, and are considering more formal reporting. They are being well supported," she said in a statement.
Detective Inspector Greg Murton told Newshub the police are actively working with CGHS following the release of the survey.
"Officers have been at the school the past two days and are speaking with each year group to provide information about what is involved when making a report of sexual assault," he says.
"This involves explaining what happens when a report is made, what support is offered and what an investigation might entail."
The complaints made are being handled through the Police Child Protective Team (CPT), Murton says, which is specifically trained in investigating assaults and neglect against children.
"Any allegation of potential criminal offending will be assessed and investigated by police. In Canterbury, there are around 50 dedicated staff in our CPT," he says.
"We want everyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to know that there is help and support available."
Murton expects more students to speak up as further formal complaints are made.
"As one feels they can come forward, others do too. That’s why shining a light on this unacceptable behaviour and supporting people to report it is so important."
The Canterbury CPT reminds any students who feel able enough to talk to the police that their stories will be treated "seriously, [with] sensitivity and confidentiality".
If you have witnessed or experienced sexual harassment or assault and would like to speak to someone, you could call the HELP support service.
- Auckland: (09) 623 1700 or visit helpauckland.org.nz
- Wellington: (04) 801 6655 or visit wellingtonhelp.org.nz
