German backpacker allegedly gang-raped by three men in ‘horrific’ Auckland CBD attack

Brian from Mount Roskill

A German backpacker was allegedly gang-raped after being picked up in a van from Auckland’s Karangahape Rd.
Three men have been jointly charged with sexual violation and were released on bail after appearing in the Auckland District Court.
A victim’s advocate said the woman’s experience “is absolutely horrific”.
Detective Senior Sergeant Kathy Bostock confirmed to the Herald that police had been investigating the incident.
The Herald understands the victim was a German backpacker.
A source close to the case claimed the woman was allegedly picked up on Karangahape Rd, bundled into the offenders’ vehicle, then dropped outside her hostel.
Bostock confirmed three men allegedly sexually assaulted a female victim in central Auckland.
“A police investigation was carried out, resulting in two 19-year-old men and a 21-year-old man being jointly charged with rape.”
The trio appeared in the Auckland District Court the day they were arrested. They were granted bail.
One is listed as living in Blockhouse Bay, another in Flatbush and the other in Northcote.
They are due to reappear in court later this month. If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison.
Police would not confirm any details about the victim or her nationality.
The Embassy for the Federal Republic of Germany declined to comment.
Several hoteliers and backpackers’ owners in the Auckland CBD told the Herald they were not aware of the incident.
Victim’s advocate Louise Nicholas, of the Louise Nicholas Trust for sexual violence survivors, told the Herald the woman should be getting wraparound support.
“The fact she’s a tourist, she’s just travelling the country; that alone, I mean, any crime committed against any person is bad, but even more so for a tourist that’s just enjoying our country and has allegedly been so viciously violated by members of our community. It’s wrong on so many levels,” Nicholas said.
“I hope that she is getting the support she needs, some amazing support from specialist services, and anything she needs. Because she is a tourist, I am sure police would be assisting her in contacting her overseas family.”
SEXUAL HARM
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Where to get help:
If it's an emergency and you feel that you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
If you've ever experienced sexual assault or abuse and need to talk to someone, contact Safe to Talk confidentially, any time 24/7:
• Call 0800 044 334
• Text 4334
• Email support@safetotalk.nz
• For more info or to web chat visit safetotalk.nz
Alternatively contact your local police station - click here for a list.
If you have been sexually assaulted, remember it's not your fault.
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