Detective Inspector Karyn Malthus, head of Operation Clover, has today announced the establishment of a freephone 0800 number for anyone wanting to contact the enquiry team.
Operation Clover is the Police name for the investigation into the action of the group calling themselves the "Roastbusters".
The number is 0800 OP CLOVER (0800 672 568) and can be dialled from any New Zealand phone, including cellphones.
A video with a personal message from Det Insp Malthus about the 0800 number has also been released by Police onto Youtube and the NZ Police website. The video will also be distributed on various Police Facebook pages and Police encourage anyone wanting to share the link to the video to do so (available via YouTube below)
Anyone who would like to speak to the enquiry team is encouraged to ring the freephone number.
"I can assure anyone who contacts us that they will be treated with compassion and respect. On behalf of the NZ Police, I want to reiterate our absolute commitment to anyone who has been a victim of this group, or anyone else who has been the victim of a sexual assault" says Det Insp Karyn Malthus, Operation Clover.
"My enquiry team are all staff who are trained in child protection and adult sexual assault, we're aware school and university exams are on at the moment and we'd encourage anyone to call us at a time that suits them. Please call us and we can help support you through the process" says DI Malthus.
A team of 10 core Police staff are working on Operation Clover, with additional support available from within Waitematä, and the Counties Manukau and Auckland City Police districts. The multi-agency investigation also involves CYFS, ACC, the Ministry of Education, and various counselling services.
ENDS
Issued by Beth Bates/Waitemata Police