Young Japanese Woman Violated

New Zealand Police National News Release
6:02pm 22 March 2007
http://www.police.govt.nz/news/release.html?id=2916

Rodney Police say the young Japanese woman who was sexually violated in a predatory attack on Tuesday night in Orewa, is responding with enormous courage in her efforts to give police essential information about the incident.

The victim has told Police she was walking along the footpath in the locality of Maygrove Park, Orewa at about 9.00pm on Tuesday night 20 March 2007 when an unknown male suddenly attacked her. She was sexually assaulted.

Detective Phillip COX of the Rodney CIB says Japanese interpreters are providing valuable assistance to investigators. There has been some language difficulties for both the victim and for police and while this has not hindered enquiries, progress is being made, albeit a little slowly.

Mr COX says there has been progress in obtaining a description of the attacker. The person police are seeking is:

Male

Caucasian

Age - estimated at between 20-30 years.

Shoulder length curly hair.

"A forensic examination has been completed, but it will be several days before any results are known. However early indications are these are positive," he said.

"Police want to hear from anyone who was in the Riverside Road, Maygrove Park locality between 8.30pm - 9.30pm on Tuesday night. It's likely that local residents will have seen, heard, or observed suspicious or unusual behaviours."

"Police are concerned and alarmed by the nature of this sexual attack because it's been carried out on a young victim in the darkness of night. This incident is a timely reminder to everyone to keep themselves safe, and to be mindful too of ensuring the safety of friends, and family members."

"The victim is emotionally drained and distressed by her ordeal. She is being supported by close friends, by Victim Support, and by the local Japanese community. We will find this young woman's attacker," Mr COX said.

"Any person who has information that can assist Rodney Police is asked to contact Detective WONG or Detective COX at Orewa CIB on 09 427 9805."

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