Musician sex-assault complaints rise

Twenty women have come forward to police with official complaints of rape, sexual assault, and assault against a group of Wellington musicians.

Operation Emerald, an investigation involving 12 detectives, was launched last month after more than 60 allegations were posted on social media about the musicians.

The online claims prompted police to warn that posting such allegations and naming alleged offenders could complicate inquiries.

Since then, police have remained tight-lipped about the number of people who have laid complaints.

The 20 complaints, all from women over the age of 16, allege the offending occurred over the past 18 months.

No arrests had been made and the investigation was still progressing, Detective Sergeant SteveWescott said.

The initial online allegations involved both male and female victims and some minors.

One complainant who reported a historic case of indecent assault said she felt like a ‘‘massive weight had been lifted’’ off her shoulders.

On Friday, police launched their fourth annual public campaign Don’t Guess the Yes, which promotes and raises awareness of alcohol consumption and sexual consent.

Acting Wellington area prevention manager Detective Senior Sergeant Warwick McKee said the campaign was ‘‘offender-focused’’.

‘‘Principally the messages are around our offenders and people who can intervene, identify and prevent offending.’’

The initiative is run in conjunction with Hospitality New Zealand, RespectEd Aotearoa, the Wellington City Council and Victoria and Massey universities.

It targets young people under the age of 30 who frequent central-city bars and clubs.