Police are investigating after a distressed mother contacted The AM Show claiming an officer dismissed a complaint about her daughter receiving messages allegedly inciting suicide.
On Friday morning, an email from the mother - who asked not to be named - detailed her 17-year-old daughter's experience receiving abusive messages from an 18-year-old girl.
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"My 17-year-old received a message from an 18-year-old who threatened to kick her head in, told her to go try kill yourself again, and try something stronger this time," the mother said.
She said her daughter attempted an overdose five months earlier, after receiving earlier text messages from the older girl.
The mother told The AM Show they went to complain to police, but found little help.
"The officer told my daughter she needed to protect herself, and was extremely rude and dismissive."
Her email came after it was revealed a text message sent to politician Jami-Lee Ross - allegedly by National MP Sarah Dowie - was being investigated by police.
The mother said she was upset that Ms Dowie's alleged text was being looked into after a complaint was raised on Mr Ross' behalf.
"I am not allowed to lay a complaint on behalf of my daughter, so she has to sit and be treated like she's wasting police time."
She also said she had complained to the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) about the officer's treatment of them.
After The AM Show host Duncan Garner read out the email on-air, the show was contacted by police media relations manager Grant Ogilvie asking for the mother's details so police could follow up.
Mr Ogilvie later told Newshub he had become concerned about the case after hearing about it on the show.
Where to find help and support:
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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