Wellington police are urging people not to engage in discussion or speculation of the man's identity on social media. File photo. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER
Police are investigating a Wellington man over "multiple complaints" of assault, which RNZ understands relate to sex crimes.
Two women - who did not want to be named - told RNZ they had been assaulted by the same man in incidents which occurred years apart.
Both said they had reported their experiences to police.
The women connected after a social media post about the man - which had since been deleted.
Do you know more? Contact us at: Bill.Hickman@rnz.co.nz
They said the post prompted several women to share information about the man, including allegations of rape, violence and use of alcohol or drugs to subdue victims.
Wellington District crime services manager John van den Heuvel confirmed detectives were working on "multiple complaints about an individual".
He urged people not to engage in discussion or speculation of the man's identity on social media or other public forums.
"We are aware there is concern and disquiet in the community about this, but we can't resolve this over social media. In fact, rumour and speculation can potentially be harmful to our investigation.
"We don't want people to take matters into their own hands. Leave it to the police to deal with," he said.
Van den Heuvel said police had "dedicated detectives" following up the complaints and urged others to come forward.
"We need to hear people's stories and analyse the evidence, but we can't do anything if people don't come to us," he said.
He assured potential complainants that their experiences would be treated with respect.
"We take these allegations seriously and we will work to ensure you have the appropriate support," van den Heuvel said.
HELP executive director Kathryn McPhillips said the agency was ready to provide support to victims of sexual abuse, assault, or harassment.
"People can contact HELP services across the country - If they're thinking about reporting to police or if they don't know if they want to - please get in touch and we can help you figure out what it is that you want to do.
"There's no statute of limitations on sexual violation complaints. The same with seeking help. It doesn't matter how long ago this happened to you. We are there to support you.
"If you decide to report to police then we can support you every step of the way," McPhillips said.
Where to get help:
- Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends
- Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666
- Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
- What's Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds
- Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English.
- Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
- Healthline: 0800 611 116
- Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
- OUTLine: 0800 688 5463
- Aoake te Rā bereaved by suicide service: or call 0800 000 053
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
Sexual Violence
- NZ Police.
- Victim Support 0800 842 846.
- Rape Crisis: 0800 88 33 00.
- Rape Prevention Education.
- Empowerment Trust.
- HELP (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655.
- Safe to talk: 0800 044 334.
- Tautoko Tāne Male Survivors Aotearoa.
- Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) 022 344 0496.
