New Zealand 'Comatose' Rape Case Alarms Labour, Urges Action Against Rape Culture

Two boys in New Zealand, both 16 years old, took turns having sex with an underage girl who was intoxicated and nearly "comatose" from alcohol. The boys, who were both charged with rape, believed they didn't rape the girl since there was no violence involved.

After the boys had their way with the female victim, other people entered the room to take a look and touch her.

The "comatose" rape case has alarmed New Zealand as the Labour Party's Women's Affairs described the boys' behaviour towards the act as "deeply concerning." Spokesperson Carol Beaumont said most Kiwis will be horrified with the idea of boys thinking it is okay to have sex with intoxicated girls and not think it was rape. She said the comatose rape case only reinforces the need to take action against New Zealand's rape culture.

Ms Beaumont remarked that more funds should go to rape prevention and boost education in schools to address myths about rape. She said Labour is developing a long-term package to make New Zealand the leading nation in preventing sexual offences.

Ms Beaumont criticised National for its inaction and only did little to restore some of the funding cuts in 2009. She said reducing sexual violence must be made "a priority," but the current government has failed to respond.

In November 2013, thousands of New Zealanders marched on the streets to protest New Zealand's "rape culture" because society and authorities allegedly don't take rape seriously. The public outcries have intensified since the exposure of the teen rape club in Auckland who call themselves the Roast Busters.

The Roast Busters are a group of male teenagers who have sex with drunk girls as young as 13 years old then shame them on Facebook by posting photos of them as evidence of their sexual encounters. Many Kiwis were horrified upon learning of the controversy and for allowing the teen "rape club" to go on with their acts.

At first, New Zealand police claimed their hands were tied when it comes to the Roast Busters since none of the victims came forward and filed a complaint. However, it was discovered during the investigation that at least one victim went to the police to report the crime, only to be told she didn't have enough evidence to support her claim.