Warning: This story discusses rape and sexual assault and may be distressing for some readers.
The father of one of the victims of the Mama Hooch rapists is slamming how long it took to get justice, saying the system is "fundamentally flawed" and supports rich predators instead of survivors.
Prolific sexual predators Danny and Roberto Jaz were sentenced to 16.5 years and 17 years imprisonment, respectively, in Christchurch's District Court on Thursday.
The brothers were earlier this year convicted on a total of 69 sex crimes, including rape and drugging charges over three years.
They worked at their father Michael Jaz's bar Mama Hooch and restaurant Venuti. They used these venues to target young female customers and staff, spiking their drinks and then often sexually assaulting or raping them.
Another two men, whose names are suppressed, walked free.
There were 23 victims in total, some of whom stood up in court to tell the men face-to-face exactly how their sinister offending impacted their young lives.
On Friday, the father of one of the victims, who cannot be named due to suppressions, welcomed the sentencing but criticised how long it took for victims to get justice.
In a joint press release with community group Men Against Sexual Violence (MASSIVE), he said he is relieved the case is finally over and the predators were given a lengthy sentence. But he hit out at how long it took and the fact the men were given name suppression and bail during the process.
"There seems to be more support for the brothers than there is for the victims. They have cost the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal aid, a joke considering they had first engaged the best defence lawyers money could buy," he said.
"Once their money ran out, they were given legal aid. It is appalling that they received a huge handout at our expense, but what rubs salt into the wound is the victims have had little financial help."
He also criticised the Christchurch City Council for letting the bar operate without a liquor licence and when Danny was still frequenting the bar despite being charged.
"As the licensing authority, you'd think they'd close it down. Because they didn't act, more women were assaulted. Both police and the health department were also aware but decided to let the bar remain open.
"The council's defence is 'innocent until proven guilty,' but when it takes five years to get to trial, that is insulting to the victims, their families and the community in general."
The father said there is something "fundamentally wrong with a legal system that appears to show more compassion through financial help to sexual offenders rather than to the victims".
"No wonder so few people report sexual assault. Police say this case will increase the awareness of drink spiking and give other victims the strength to report their drugging. However, if they have no proof there is little the so-called justice system can do. To prove you've been drugged you need to have video evidence or get a hair sample to be analysed within 12 hours, otherwise, it is very difficult to prove.
"The fact the brothers had name suppression and were walking free for those five years is also damning of a broken system. It seems if you have lots of money for good lawyers who can play the system, you get name suppression and bail."
The father's words are echoed by MASSIVE, a group of Kiwi men speaking out, intervening and educating other men on stopping sexual violence.
"We applaud the courage of the young women whose perseverance and guts brought this case to trial, and the judge who gave an appropriate sentence," spokesperson Mike Shaw said. "But really it is the silence and collusion of other men who would have known or suspected what was going on that needs confronting.
"This is a male behavioural and attitudinal problem, so men need to speak up and become a major part of the solution to stopping sexual exploitation of women and children."
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
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
