Survivor Urges Police to Rethink Approach to Assault Victims

A survivor of a drink-spiking assault has addressed police detectives in New Zealand, urging them to reconsider their language when interacting with sexual assault victims. Sophie Brown, who experienced a traumatic incident involving the Christchurch bar Mama Hooch, emphasized that a simple question can undermine a victim’s trust and willingness to engage with law enforcement.

Speaking to a group of senior detectives at the Police College in Porirua, Brown highlighted the damaging implications of the phrase, “Are you sure?” She pointed out that such doubts can cause victims to shut down and feel unsupported. “Communicate like the job depends on it, because sometimes their life does,” she urged.

Between 2015 and 2018, Brown was among 18 women assaulted by brothers Danny and Roberto Jaz. In 2023, they were convicted on nearly 70 charges related to drugging, sexual assault, and filming young women. They are currently appealing their convictions and sentences.

Invited to provide a survivor’s perspective during a week-long advanced sexual assault training course for detectives, Brown shared her experiences from the night of her assault, which occurred on October 17, 2017. She recalled feeling confused after being drugged by Danny Jaz and waking up the next morning with little memory of the events. After speaking with friends, she reported the incident to the police, noting that her initial experience with law enforcement was positive.

“I just remember apologising because I felt like I was drunk, drugged, whatever it was,” Brown recounted. “But everyone was really kind. Everyone listened intently and took it very seriously.” Subsequent tests confirmed the presence of ketamine and an antihistamine in her system.

Despite her positive reporting experience, Brown described the aftermath as isolating and disorienting. She struggled with her mental health and found it difficult to access ongoing support. “It’s little things like that that I wish were more than just ‘we’re here if you need’,” she said. “It should be: ‘Here is the information and we will keep reminding you of this information’.”

Brown eventually sought therapy, incurring significant costs, before discovering she was eligible for counseling through the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). She expressed disappointment that she was not informed of her options sooner.

The delay in pursuing justice was particularly challenging for Brown, as the case took five years to reach trial. She noted that delays compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic made the process even more arduous. Despite these challenges, she remained in contact with Detective Helen Mahon-Stroud, who she praised for her support throughout the investigation.

In her address, Brown suggested that police should implement regular check-ins with survivors, even when there are no updates on their cases. “No communication can sometimes feel like you’ve been abandoned or you’re an afterthought,” she explained. “But there wouldn’t be a case if survivors don’t actually come forward and report.”

The Mama Hooch case is now regarded as one of the largest of its kind in New Zealand. Following a 13-week trial, the Jaz brothers were sentenced to 16 and a half and 17 years, respectively. Before the trial, Danny Jaz pleaded guilty to Brown’s assault, allowing her to read a victim impact statement without testifying.

Brown remains committed to sharing her story and supporting other survivors. She has waived her name suppression and intends to challenge the narrative that police cannot be trusted, despite acknowledging the flaws in the system. “Those are my thoughts. That’s my experience,” she concluded.

As Brown continues her advocacy, she emphasizes the importance of proper training and communication within law enforcement. Her hope is that by sharing her experiences, she can influence how police interact with victims of sexual violence, ultimately fostering a more supportive environment for those seeking justice.

For those affected by sexual violence, resources are available through organizations such as Rape Prevention Education and Safe to Talk. Immediate support can be accessed via confidential helplines and local sexual assault services.