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A New Zealand man who survived years of sexual abuse as a child is walking from Cape Reinga to the Beehive to present a petition calling for tougher penalties for sex offenders.

Sam Troth has collected more than 5,000 signatures from people across the country who support his call for heavier sentences for child sex offenders and stronger support for survivors.

“Too many survivors are being retraumatised by a justice system that hands down weak sentences to the people who ruined their lives,” he said. “We need sentencing that reflects the damage caused.”

Troth criticised what he described as “pathetic sentences” handed down to offenders by “weak judges.”

Abused as a child, Troth endured years of trauma, addiction, and time in prison. In 2019, he began intensive therapy and has since become a vocal advocate for male survivors of sexual abuse.

He went on to found The Road to Healing Aotearoa, an initiative aimed at raising awareness, breaking stigma, and encouraging men to speak out.

In 2022, Troth walked from Bluff to Cape Reinga to symbolise the long road to recovery. Now, he’s walking in the opposite direction — with a mission.

“I’ve shared my story countless times, not because I want pity, but because I want people to understand how widespread this is. Men don’t talk about it, but it’s everywhere. I’m walking to the Beehive because politicians need to listen,” he said.

“They know how to make noise about frivolous topics, but they’ve put sexual violence in the too-hard basket.

“Everything’s watered down to feel safe — instead of ‘family violence,’ we now call it ‘family harm.’ What’s that about? Who are we protecting here?”

The petition calls for a minimum sentence of eight years with no probation for those convicted of sexual offences. “We believe survivors of sexual violence deserve justice, and sentences must be longer. We are calling for a minimum sentence of eight years with no probation for those convicted of sexual offences.

“We believe sentences must reflect the severity of these crimes and act as a true deterrent. Too often, offenders receive lenient sentences, which allows them to reoffend while survivors endure lifelong trauma. It’s time to ensure justice is served.”

Along the way, Troth is stopping in towns and communities to speak with locals, share his story, and invite them to sign the petition. He said the public response has been overwhelmingly supportive, with many survivors approaching him privately to share their own experiences.

Troth is walking at least 55 kilometres a day, aiming to arrive at the Beehive on April 30.

He believes harsher penalties, combined with better access to mental health support for victims, are crucial to changing New Zealand’s approach to sexual violence.

He plans to present the petition on the steps of Parliament upon arrival.

Supporters can follow his journey or sign the petition at theroadtohealing.co.nz.

Wellbeing helplines and support

• In an emergency, if someone needs urgent help, call the Police on 111. Not safe to talk? Stay on the line. Without talking, follow the instructions from call-takers and menus. Press buttons when asked.
• Are You OK? — free and confidential 24/7 support and information for anyone experiencing family violence or if you are worried about someone else. Call 0800 456 450 or live chat with a trained counsellor on the website: areyouok.org.nz(external link)
• Safe to Talk — free and confidential helpline for support and information about sexual violence. Call 0800 044 334, text 4334, email [email protected], or chat to counsellors online at safetotalk.nz(external link)
• Women’s Refuge — 24-hour advocacy and accommodation for women and their children experiencing family violence. Call 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE) or get support through live chat on the website: womensrefuge.org.nz(external link)
• Change is Possible — anonymous 24/7 help for men using violence or concerned about their behaviour. Free call 0800 456 450 or live chat with a counsellor on the website: changeispossible.org.nz(external link)
• Need to Talk? — for people feeling stressed, down, or overwhelmed, free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor 1737.org.nz(external link)
• Shakti — free 24/7 multi-lingual crisis-line for migrant and refugee women 0800SHAKTI (0800 742 584) or email [email protected]
• Elder Abuse Response Service — 24/7 free confidential helpline for older people who are frightened, at risk, or concerned about how they are being treated, text 5032, email [email protected] or phone 0800 32 668 65