Radio host Jay-Jay Harvey speaks out about alleged sexual harassment

Breakfast radio host Jay-Jay Harvey has spoken out about a traumatic experience of being sexually assaulted in the back of a taxi.

On her first day back on air after an 18 day break, Harvey described the experience as "terrifying". She alleged the taxi driver asked for sexual favours in lieu of the fare, sending her straight into panic mode.

"After leaving a bar in Ponsonby, I tried to get into a cab from a company I knew, but the driver wouldn't take me because my ride was only 3 or 4 km long and he had been waiting awhile, so he told me to get into the one behind him," said Harvey on her Facebook page.

Following her post on Facebook the day after it occurred Harvey stayed silent until last night - when she posted a picture online announcing she'd be back on air today.

On her radio show this morning she said she'd had some negative responses from the social media post. Some people had asked what seat she was in while others took a victim blaming tone.

She urged others who had been through similar episodes to go to the police and ask for help.

"It is not OK and you must report it, even if the police don't solve the crime it will help if it happens again", she said.

Earlier, Taxi Federation executive director John Hart said that while the federation had received no complaint at this stage, he was disgusted by what he had read.

He urged Harvey to find out the taxi company involved as soon as possible.

"She should complain to the police," he said.

"This guy needs to be taken off the road, and the NZTA needs to cancel his licence. He shouldn't be operating a passenger vehicle."

Where to get help:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider.

However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

Or if you need to talk to someone else:

• LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633
• NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
• KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757