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Sexual abuse and sexual assault are serious criminal matters in New Zealand. In Dunedin they are dealt with under national criminal law, managed locally by the New Zealand Police, the Crown prosecution services, and the Dunedin courts. Cases can involve adults, young people, or children and may also give rise to related civil or family law applications. Victim-survivors have access to medical, psychological and practical support services in Dunedin, alongside legal pathways including reporting to police, seeking protection orders, or pursuing civil remedies and compensation in appropriate circumstances.
There are many situations where someone affected by sexual abuse will benefit from legal help. A lawyer can:
- Explain legal options after an incident, including criminal reporting, protection orders, and civil claims.
- Support you when reporting to police and help you understand the investigation and prosecution process.
- Apply for legal aid or represent you in court if you cannot afford private fees.
- Make or respond to protection or non-contact orders in family or criminal contexts.
- Protect your rights during interviews, examinations and evidence-gathering, and help preserve privacy and confidentiality where possible.
- Advise on civil claims for damages or claims for financial support such as ACC sensitive-claims or counselling help.
- Provide trauma-informed representation and liaise with support services on your behalf.
Key aspects of the law that are relevant in Dunedin reflect national legislation and practice:
- Criminal offences: Sexual offending is prosecuted under the Crimes Act and related statutes. Offences include sexual violation, sexual assault, indecent assault and sexual activity with a young person. These offences can carry significant penalties including imprisonment.
- Age of consent: The legal age of sexual consent in New Zealand is 16. Sexual activity with people under that age can lead to specific criminal charges and child protection interventions.
- Reporting and investigations: Anyone can report sexual abuse to the New Zealand Police. Police investigate, collect evidence and decide whether to charge a person. In some cases the Crown Solicitor or Crown Law will run the prosecution.
- Victim rights: Victims are entitled to certain information and support through the criminal process, including information about court dates and available services. Victim Support and other agencies provide practical and emotional assistance.
- Protection orders: If you fear further harm, the Family Court or District Court can make protection or non-contact orders. Police can also act to keep people safe in urgent situations.
- Child protection: If the alleged abuse involves a child, Oranga Tamariki and other child protection services may become involved to ensure the child’s safety and wellbeing.
- Civil remedies and compensation: Beyond criminal prosecution, there may be options for civil claims for damages, or access to ACC sensitive-claims for counselling and treatment related to sexual violence. Legal aid can be available for eligible clients in some matters.
- Privacy and suppression: Courts may make orders about the publication of a victim’s identity in particular circumstances. The law balances open justice with the need to protect survivors’ privacy.
Sexual abuse generally means any unwanted sexual contact or behaviour that happens without informed consent. This includes rape, sexual assault, indecent assault and sexual activity with people below the age of consent. It can also include non-contact offences such as voyeurism or making or sharing sexual images without consent.
You can report sexual abuse to the New Zealand Police by contacting your local station, calling the national emergency number for urgent matters, or making a non-urgent report online or by phone. You can also speak first to a support organisation or a nurse for advice if you are unsure. If a child is involved, consider contacting Oranga Tamariki for child protection advice.
Not always immediately. The police will investigate and decide whether to charge the alleged offender. If charges are laid, cases commonly proceed to court, and you may be asked to give a statement and possibly give evidence. Many agencies can support you through the process and help prepare you for court if it goes that far.
Courts sometimes grant name suppression or privacy protections for victims, especially in sensitive sexual offence cases or where publication would cause extreme hardship. However suppression is not automatic, and it is best to discuss options with a lawyer and support services early on.
Victim Support provides practical and emotional help throughout the criminal process. There are also local sexual violence support services and crisis services that offer confidential counselling, advocacy and assistance with reporting. Health services at Dunedin hospitals and sexual health clinics can provide medical care and forensic examinations.
There is no fixed timeline. Investigations can take weeks or months, and prosecutions can take longer depending on complexity, availability of evidence, and court scheduling. Delays can be distressing, so legal and support services can help manage expectations and provide ongoing support.
Legal aid is available in New Zealand for people who meet the financial eligibility criteria and for certain types of cases. Legal aid can cover representation for criminal and some family or civil matters. Community law centres also offer free or low-cost advice for eligible people.
If you plan to report and are able to do so, try to preserve clothing or other items and avoid bathing if you intend to have a forensic medical examination. Seek medical attention promptly so clinicians can collect evidence, treat injuries and provide sexual health advice. If you are unsure, call a support service or police for guidance before changing or discarding potential evidence.
Yes. An allegation can have immediate consequences such as police interviews, bail conditions, and social or employment impacts. The accused has legal rights, including the presumption of innocence and the right to legal representation. For these reasons, sensitive handling by both parties and legal professionals is important.
Possibly. Victims may seek civil remedies such as damages in some circumstances. ACC offers sensitive-claims assistance that can help with counselling and treatment costs related to sexual violence. Each option has its own legal standards and timeframes, so discussing them with a lawyer or support organisation will help you understand what may be available.
When seeking legal advice or support in Dunedin, consider contacting or finding information from these types of organisations and agencies:
- New Zealand Police for reporting and investigation.
- Victim Support for practical assistance and advocacy throughout the criminal process.
- Local sexual violence crisis and counselling services in Dunedin for confidential advocacy and counselling.
- Oranga Tamariki for concerns about the safety of children.
- ACC sensitive-claims team for support with treatment and counselling after sexual violence.
- Community Law Centres and the New Zealand Law Society for help finding lawyers and initial legal advice.
- District and Family Courts in Dunedin for information on protection orders and court procedures.
- Health services and sexual health clinics for medical care and forensic examinations.
If you or someone you care about has experienced sexual abuse in Dunedin, here are practical steps to consider:
- Get to a safe place and seek immediate help if you are in danger.
- Consider medical care as soon as possible for injuries, testing and to preserve forensic options.
- Contact the police if you want to report. You can also speak first with a trusted support agency to understand the process.
- Reach out to Victim Support or a local sexual violence service for advocacy, information and emotional support.
- If you want legal advice, contact a lawyer experienced in sexual assault, family violence or criminal law. Ask about trauma-informed practice, confidentiality, likely costs and legal aid eligibility.
- Preserve evidence where possible and keep a record of dates, times, messages or other relevant information.
- Take care of your wellbeing. Counselling, wh?nau support and local health services can be crucial during and after any legal process.
This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. If you need specific legal help, contact a qualified lawyer or a community legal service in Dunedin.
