Warning: This story discusses rape and sexual assault and may be distressing for some readers.
Survivors of the Jaz brothers say Thursday's sentencing was not only healing, but also a monumental moment for Aotearoa.
And a leading sexual violence support figure in Canterbury agrees, calling it a watershed moment for the country.
A dad has now seen the man who drugged and violated his daughter jailed for 17 years.
"Very proud of the women who came forward and put these guys away and pretty happy that they almost got the maximum," he told Newshub.
Danny Jaz, was sentenced to 16-and-a-half years, while Roberto Jaz got 17 years. A hefty sentence for what the judge called unprecedented crimes of disabling and sexual assault in New Zealand.
"I think this is a watershed moment, it feels like a bit of a watershed moment. I think we're finding people talking about this in ways that we haven't done before," said Jo Bader, Aviva client services manager for sexual violence services.
Because the sexual violence sector dealing with hundreds of cases each week is now backed by more of a community empathy and understanding. Plus that hefty sentence.
"We don't always get quite heavy sentences in sexual violence cases and sometimes they're surprisingly low and so to have a good one like this was a good result," Bader said.
Newshub has spoken to four of the survivors after sentencing including Sophie Brown, who said: "No amount of time behind bars could ultimately bring a true sense of justice to myself and the other victims - however we are now able to put this in the rearview mirror and work on our own healing for good."
The two women whose bravery cracked this case open said: "We are both incredibly proud of all the brave women who have made this day happen."
"People do believe you. As confronting it is and as vulnerable as it makes you feel to speak up, you will be heard by somebody."
And another said: "This is a game-changer... a monumental moment for Aotearoa and how we tolerate sexual violence. For now, the women of Aotearoa have two less men to defend themselves from."
The many survivors of the Jaz brothers have often talked about having an unbreakable bond with the other women that they had never met but on Thursday that changed. After the sentencing a group of them went out together to properly connect and learn each others' stories.
"The thing that I was really struck by was their solidarity and the way that they were so collective in their support of one another and their bravery," Bader said.
"It must be a huge weight off their shoulders that this is an end of a pretty horrible chapter for all of them," the father told Newshub.
And the book thrown hard at the Jaz brothers.
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
