A group set up in response to violence on Auckland’s Karangahape Rd is urging people who are victims of attacks or abuse on the strip to report them to police. It comes as well-known Auckland DJ, Wanda, was robbed by a man who threatened her with a crowbar, as she walked home from a gig at Family Downunder just after 4AM today. DJ Wanda says she will taxi home from work from now on, and the robbery will be reported to police. Read: DJ robbed on K' Rd by man with crowbar Karen Ritchie, who helped create the lgbti community led K’ Rd Safety Group, is relieved Wanda wasn’t hurt. She says she’s also heard reports a couple of people were assaulted on K’ Rd on New Year’s Eve, and is concerned about such attacks not being reported to police. “It’s really, really important that these incidents are reported,” Ritchie says. “Because without the stats, we don’t have the pull or the push that’s required to get more presence and more assistance.” Ritchie says statistics reflecting what is actually happening on K’ Rd will help the group push for authorities to address the issues. The police have a network of Diversity Liaison Officers who can help you make complaints if you feel you need extra support
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Saturday, 17th January 2015 - 11:56am