Breaking the Silence: Stories of Male Sexual Abuse in Wellington

🎗️ This is happening here—more than we realise

Male sexual abuse is often deeply hidden, and sadly, Wellington has its share of painful stories:

1. Cellmate rape in jail

In the Wellington High Court, a man named Benjamin Goundar was on trial for allegedly raping his 18‑year‑old cellmate over a period of months. The abuse reportedly happened night after night, and the victim was threatened into silence. It’s a stark reminder that abuse happens even in locked-down spaces where people should be safe.

2. Operation Emerald – male survivors come forward

A police operation launched after social media posts accused three Wellington-based musicians of sexual assault. Among the survivors were men. One young man, just 23, ended up facing seven assault-related charges, linked to incidents over a three-year period. The courage of survivors coming forward led to real investigations and charges.

3. Domestic findings from Victoria University

Research out of Victoria University revealed Kiwi men take on average 18 years to report sexual abuse. Some took as long as 50 years. Only four people out of 52 reported it within two days. The numbers are heartbreaking, but they tell us what survivors are up against — silence, shame, and the fear of not being believed.

4. Ongoing police investigations in Wellington

In 2025, Wellington Police confirmed an investigation into a local man accused of multiple sexual assaults. The complaints include rape and drug-facilitated abuse, spanning several years. While the survivor identities remain private, what’s clear is that these crimes are happening — and more people are speaking up.

Why these stories matter

• They prove it’s real. This isn’t just happening somewhere else — it’s right here in Wellington.

• They give others courage. Every voice that comes forward chips away at the stigma.

• They demand better systems. More trauma-informed, accessible support is needed — especially for male survivors.

How Wellingtonians can help

🔹 Listen up. If a mate or whānau member opens up — don’t freeze. Just listen. That moment matters.
🔹 Back them. Believe their story. Don’t ask “why now?” or “are you sure?”
🔹 Spread the word. Let people know about services like Wellington HELP, Male Survivors Aotearoa, and the Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation.
🔹 Push for change. Support local calls for more funding and services focused on male survivors — culturally aware, safe, and easy to access.

Let’s change the story

These aren’t just case numbers — they’re real people. And the more we keep silent, the longer survivors stay in the dark.

By normalising kōrero, sharing support services, and believing those who come forward, we can build a Wellington where survivors — regardless of gender — are heard, healed, and never left to walk alone.

Silence protects no one. Speaking up changes everything.