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Three Christchurch Girls’ High School students have came forward to formally report incidents and nine have spoken to police and counsellors.

It follows the release of findings from a sexual harassment survey commissioned by Christchurch Girls’ High School which continues to attract support from acros New Zealand.

At least 20 students reported being raped, three of group rape and hundreds of students reported sexual harassment.

 School Principal, Christine O’Neill, said police are at the school again today, speaking with Year groups in their own assembly.

The feedback from students yesterday was “we are not alone” and it was this that brought a number of them forward to report their experiences.

 “They are being well supported. The safety and wellbeing of our staff and students remain our number one priorities.

A number of students went home yesterday after the morning assembly at which we told them about the survey. There’s no doubt the information were triggering for some students.”

Detective Inspector, Gregory Murton, who is assisting Christchurch Girls’ High said he expects more girls to come forward.

 “We often see this. As one feels they can come forward, others do too. That’s why shining a light on this unacceptable behaviour and supporting people to report it, is so important.”

 Christine O’Neill hopes the wider conversation that has resulted around Aotearoa following the report release yesterday, continues and develops so that the additional research and education that she believes is urgently needed, is implemented as soon as possible.

 “The kōrero now must happen between Ministers, schools, community support agencies and the Education Review Office (ERO). As our Head Girl, Amiria Tikao, said so eloquently yesterday, we have lit the fuse; it must not be allowed to go out.”