Police believe a teenage girl was beaten at home and forced to hide her facial injuries behind a burqa, while members of the Muslim community are alleged to have hushed up the abuse.
The New Zealand Herald reports that her injuries included a broken nose, damaged teeth and extensive bruising. Police claim the 15-year-old was subjected to sustained physical abuse from at least one family member over two or more months.
The Herald reports police saying the case was brought to their attention when a school friend became aware of the abuse and called 111.
Police claim that she was kept home from school after sustaining the injuries, and that when officers visited her home, she was allegedly instructed by family members to cover up with a burqa that left only her eyes exposed – a covering she would not ususally wear.
The newspaper says it is likely that a number of community members were aware of the abuse and did nothing about it, and family members may also have been instructed to lie to investigators.
The girl has been removed from her home by Child, Youth and Family and placed in "secure care" with another Muslim family. Police say arrests are likely.
Javed Khan, acting president of the Federation of the Islamic Associations of New Zealand, said the offending could not be tolerated. It was likely a one-off case, he said.
Help is available to victims of physical and emotional abuse. Victims, or anyone aware of abuse can contact the following services:
Police: 111
Crimestoppers (anonymous tipline): 0800 555 111
Child, Youth & Family: 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459)
Women’s refuge: 0800 733 843
It’s not OK: 0800 456 450
Shine: 0508 744 633
Victim Support:0800 650 654
National Network of Stopping Violence http://www.nnsvs.org.nz/