Warning: This article discusses sexual abuse that may disturb some readers.
An Australian sailor who claims she was drugged and raped while serving with the Royal New Zealand Navy finally had the courage to speak out - only to be told the incident could not be investigated because it happened overseas.
The woman named Jennifer told The Daily Telegraph she was attacked by a senior officer in 2007 when the HMNZS ship was docked at Sembawang port in Singapore.
Jennifer said she was invited out with the seniors for a few drinks, but after her second drink, she started to lose control of her speech and body. She believes her drink was spiked.
Her next memory was of a senior officer reaching up her skirt during a taxi ride. Then she passed out, with her memories returning only in flashes.
"I remember being naked on a bed and rolled onto my chest," Jennifer told the outlet. "The next memory I have is of him grabbing my hair and forcing my head down and saying: "Choke on it white b***"." That is my only other memory until I woke up naked, covered in vomit, semen and urine."
Jennifer, who was 26 at the time, reported the assault to her supervisor the next day who dissuaded her from making a formal complaint warning her she would be sent home and be known forever as 'the girl who got raped'.
"He said this would be a very hard thing for my husband to live with because how would anyone know it was rape when I was s**t-faced."
In 2018, Jennifer found the courage to report the horrific attack to the Commonwealth Ombudsmen.
But Jennifer was told the rape would not be invested because it was out of the Commonwealth's jurisdiction.
The report also included complaints about other abuse she suffered including sexual discrimination, bastardisation and sexual harassment, to which the department said her experiences did not meet the threshold for "most serious forms of abuse".
"What leaves me feeling the most betrayed is the one paragraph email back saying it was out of jurisdiction. I was so gutted," Jennifer told the outlet.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) told Newshub they are investigating the incident and invite Jennifer to come forward and make a formal report with the NZDF Military Police if she wishes.
Where to find help and support:
Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans - 0800 726 666
Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
