Denise Roche

Former Green MP Denise Roche remembers the day she revealed in Parliament she was a survivor of sexual abuse - and taking a stand against then-Prime Minister John Key. Content warning: This article discusses sexual violence and could be distressing for some people. Watch the video version of the episode here. *The views expressed in this interview are the honestly held opinion of Denise Roche Former Green MP Denise Roche remembers the day she revealed in Parliament she was a survivor of sexual abuse - and taking a stand against then Prime Minister John Key. "His political persona I thought was just shockingly horrible and reeking of a type of privilege and elitism which I just find offensive to the very core." Former Green MP Denise Roche shares her opinion on former Prime Minister John Key to Mantangireia presenter Scott Campbell. Denise Roche is a politician who knows what it means to take a stand. In 2015, The Green MP and other politicians walked out of Parliament's Debating Chamber in protest. This came after then Prime Minister John Key accused the Labour Party of "backing the rapists" - his way of describing New Zealand detainees being held on Christmas Island in Australia. "I have no sense of the man - of the person," Roche said of Key. "His political persona I thought was just shockingly horrible and reeking of a type of privilege and elitism which I just find offensive to the very core". Opposition MPs demanded Key apologise. He wouldn't. They requested the Speaker make him. He wouldn't. At the time he was considered one of the most popular Prime Ministers of all time. "I think people like, you know a jokie white guy who's gonna make you chuckle and might be useful on the barbecue kind of guy," Roche said. "But he was deeply offensive to so many people." By walking out of the debating chamber that day, Ms Roche and Opposition MPs had also revealed they were survivors of sexual abuse. It was a brave call and Denise Roche remembers feeling scared and panicked. She was worried not about herself, but about the impact on all women - including her sisters and daughters. "This is where you get the mad, sad and bad kinda reputation from 'oh she survived sexual abuse she must be completely f***ed up." But, her children were proud of their mum's stance. "It's like people with mental health issues do you disclose this publicly because you will wear this - and people will judge you." Denise Roche went to Parliament, like many aspiring politicians to change the world… Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details