← Back
Staying safe: sexual harm
General guidance below. Area-specific crime patterns are on your suburb brief.
Support is available whether or not you report to Police. You can talk through your options confidentially — it is never the victim’s fault.
If you need help now
- Call 111 if you are in danger or need urgent medical help.
- Safe to talk (0800 044 334 / text 4334) is a free sexual harm helpline — confidential and available whether or not you report to Police.
- You can also contact Victim Support (0800 842 846) or TOAH-NNEST for local specialist services.
Staying safer socially
- Stay with people you trust; check in when plans change.
- Plan how you will get home before you go out.
- Do not leave drinks unattended; be cautious accepting drinks from strangers.
- Look out for friends who may be vulnerable or separated from the group.
Reporting and options
- You control whether and when to make a formal complaint.
- Police pages explain what happens if you report a sexual assault and what support is available.
- Medical care and forensic options can be discussed with specialist services even if you are unsure about reporting.
- Friends and family can also seek advice on how to support someone.
New Zealand resources
- Safe to talk — sexual harm helpline0800 044 334 · text 4334
- NZ Police — advice for victims of sexual assault
- NZ Police — sexual assault and consent
- TOAH-NNEST — find local supportNational network ending sexual violence
- Victim Support0800 842 846
- 1737 — Need to talk?Free call or text 1737
Community organisations
Local groups that work with Police to build safer, more connected neighbourhoods.
- Neighbourhood Support New ZealandJoin or start a local group · 0800 4 NEIGHBOURS (0800 463 444)
- Neighbourhood Support — tips and adviceHome, vehicle, rural, fraud, and community safety guides
- Community Patrols of New Zealand (CPNZ)Volunteer patrollers — trained eyes and ears for Police · 04 817 0228
- Community CamRegister CCTV so Police can contact you after nearby crime (not-for-profit)
- NZ Police — keeping safeHome, out and about, and property advice
- Crimestoppers0800 555 111 — report crime anonymously
Suburb Sense is not affiliated with NZ Police or these organisations. Advice is general — always follow official guidance for your situation.
Need help now?
- Emergency: 111
- Non-emergency Police: 105.police.govt.nz
- Crimestoppers (anonymous): crimestoppers-nz.org · 0800 555 111
- Victim Support: victimsupport.org.nz · 0800 842 846
- Safe to talk (sexual harm): safetotalk.nz · 0800 044 334
- Need to talk? 1737.org.nz · free call or text 1737