Police urge ‘expectation discussions’ to avoid alcohol-fuelled sexual assaults
In the lead-up to a busy ski season of partying Queenstown Police are warning young women especially to have a plan and be vigilant when alcohol is involved, with a number of sexual assault-related charges laid in recent times.
Detective Sergeant Miriam Chittenden says an overindulgence of alcohol is most often a factor and she’s urging young people to “have the conversation about expectations” before going back to anyone’s place.
“We’re concerned about incidences of young people meeting up in a bar or club, heading back to a house with someone and finding out discussions weren’t had, or consent was not given,” says Detective Sergeant Chittenden. People may have brought someone home and the male may have very different expectations to the female he’s invited, she says.
“Make sure you’re in a position to consent around alcohol and drug taking, know who you’re going with. Men need to be aware that alcohol is a factor and can impair someone’s judgment,” says Detective Sergeant Chittenden. Men also have a responsibility around making the right decision and shouldn’t ‘guess the yes’. Someone who is intoxicated to a level that they can’t make an informed consent is not consenting.
Police have definitely charged people for sexual-related offences locally and with the winter party season approaching Detective Sergeant Chittenden is urging caution with a number of those cases currently before the courts. “People’s lives get ruined - women and men. You can get arrested for a 20-year jail offence called rape,” she says. “A number of our sexual assault-related investigations involve alcohol. The biggest thing we’re seeing is young people, mostly in their 20s, meeting in town, alcohol-affected, then engaging in sexual activity further than expected, or coming back to someone’s place and things progressing to a level the woman is uncomfortable with.”
She says a woman may appear to be consenting on the dance floor and seem coherent and able to consent, then by the time they get to a house they’re unable to do so and are either unconscious or fall asleep.
The problem is evident among both locals and visitors. “If you’ve been up the mountain all day and you want to engage in the party scene, which is why people come to Queenstown, then be aware that alcohol greatly impairs judgement.”
Detective Sergeant Chittenden urges groups of friends to have a plan about getting home. “Check in with your mates and say, ‘Hey, are you happy to go with this person?’” Friends need to communicate and ensure their mates are happy about where they’re going. “Make sure people are safe and they’re not getting into something they didn’t expect then find out it’s way beyond their expectations because they didn’t have those discussions beforehand.”
Friends should have an address and also a plan about how they’re all getting home, and roughly what time. “Otherwise they get home and notice suddenly someone’s disappeared,” says Detective Sergeant Chittenden. “Stick with friends and keep an eye out for each other.”
Police also warn people to be aware of drink spiking with cases in the past, although it’s not common.
Central Lakes Family Services Business Manager Jane Guy agrees it’s time men took responsibility. Men need to be having those conversations at home, at school, in a bar, with friends, and questioning behaviour and language that disrespects women, she says. “It starts when boys are born, how they view women.”
Statistics quoted at a recent National Family Violence Conference revealed extremely alarming rates of sexual assault and abuse, she says.
“Some men need to know it’s not their right to take this person home and do what they want with her, even if she’s inebriated,” says Jane.
Sexual assault is a “ginormous issue”, both locally and nationally. “This is a very stressed community at the minute with financial hardship and housing issues. What can we do this winter to connect with people who have stuff going on and have those conversations?”
“The issue with alcohol is it puts the onus back on the woman to keep herself safe. Men need to ask how hard they’re partying and how they can make good decisions when they take a young woman home. Look out for her.”
She urges women to have their phone charged and on, and money for a taxi home if they do go home with someone.
If they need help, or have questions about a situation, Central Lakes Family Services has a 24/7 helpline – 050 844 0255, or see: clfs.co.nz
