Wellington Park Bashing Incident Not Isolated
Students Against Violence Everywhere Nelson say that the incident in a Wellington park where a young girl was beaten
while onlookers filmed the fight is certainly not an isolated incident and is become a trend with fights across New
Zealand.
They were responding to reports that a 13 year old girl was lured into a Wellington park where she was beaten while
other school students filmed on their mobile phones.
SAVE Chairperson Johny O’Donnell says “SAVE is disappointed at this kind of behavior and want to express sympathy for
the girl in this situation not only has she been beaten in front of others her own age she is now faced with the
embarrassment and shame of the situation through the viral videos which have become a plague in New Zealand” he added
that “fights were always filmed and spread virally on the internet and from phone to phone”.
SAVE spokesperson for girls violence Jemma Wastney said “psychological and physical abuse is become a serious problem in
NZ for young women, these women need our support from an early age to learn that it’s not ok”
Violence is often recorded and spread through technology which further damages the victim and only helps the reputation
and self esteem of the perpetrator. SAVE says the physiological damage from the video and talk after the incident will
be far more harmful to than the physical effects.
Youth violence is a serious issue that often goes undetected by schools and communities, Police were limited in power
and young people needed to take responsibility for the problem it’s time all youth stood up and spoke up about this
issue.
ENDS