In October 2015, Sonya’s 18-year-old son and a friend visited her home in North East Valley to see his younger sister. Sonya refused the visit and called the police, alleging she had been placed in an arm lock and claiming her son was intending to kidnap his sister. Her son was later arrested in Invercargill and detained for five hours on a “male assaults female” charge. However, he maintained that no physical contact or assault occurred. After providing a statement, he was released without charge; police noted that further investigation was required as Sonya claimed to be blind and was unsure of who had allegedly assaulted her.