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A young girl allegedly stripped and humiliated by two older girls in Invercargill’s Queens Park has “a long road ahead”, her mother says.
Two youths were arrested in relation to the assault in which the victim was reportedly forced to remove her clothes and made to eat mud off the shoes of the attackers.
Video of the October 2 incident was reportedly shared to social media.
The mother of the young girl told the Otago Daily Times the aftermath of the assault had been difficult, but with support was “hopeful for the best recovery”.
“It’s going to be a long road ahead, but we’ll get there.”
She was grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community, including all the messages she was receiving.
“Me and [my daughter] feel overwhelmed and very thankful for the community and the support.”
She specifically thanked an Invercargill barbers, which is raising money by inviting people in for haircuts on Monday next week with all proceeds going directly to the victim.
The owner of the barber, who the Otago Daily Times has chosen not to name for legal reasons, said he decided to do something after hearing about the assault and thinking of his nieces who were around the same age.
“I just thought it was so s…, especially coming from a local since I’ve never really seen it happen the whole time I’ve lived here.
“There’s the odd bullying and fight, but it’s like something you’d see on Netflix.”
“When I was her age I was playing with cars and when I think about that, I couldn’t imagine being hurt that much.”
He wanted to make a statement against this kind of behaviour, so he and his partner made a post on Facebook advertising the fundraiser.
That post has since garnered major attention, sitting at 1500 likes, 102 comments, and more than 200,000 views.
A week ahead of the event itself they had already raised $750.
The level of interest meant he had roped in other local barbers and he said the ultimate goal on Monday was to “just keep cutting”.
His partner had been handling the social media side of the event and was surprised with how many people reached out.
“An old couple messaged us and said they have a bach the family can stay at if they want time out.
“Someone else messaged about coming out for horse riding.
“We’ve had other wee businesses that have reached out wanting to give vouchers for lashes and nails for her as well.”
Wanting to lead by example, he hoped that other business would also follow suit.
“If we’re the first ones, we’re hoping more people would, too.”
Police are seeking any witnesses to the incident including two “good Samaritans,” who helped the victim after the attack.
They were driving an orange or similarly coloured car on the night of October 2 between 10pm and midnight.
“If this was you, or you witnessed the incident or anything else out of the ordinary, please get in touch.”
Information can be provided by calling 105, referencing file number 261004/6085.