Allegations of Abuse by NZ Police
	peterellis Home / police allegations / Rickards, Shipton, Schollum vs Jane Doe Page 7 - Further Reaction to Not Guilty Verdict
	The Green Party March 7 2007 Police need to convince women culture has changed Press Release The Green Party today expressed their support for the marches being held around the country in solidarity with rape survivors and in opposition to an historic police culture of abuse and violence apparent in recent court cases. "Most women never take the fact that they have been raped to the police even now because they believe they'll be damaged all over again by the court process - sadly, these concerns have resurfaced with the outcome of these recent police cases," says Social Services Spokesperson Sue Bradford, herself a rape survivor. "Sex between a young woman and a group of older men in positions of authority will almost always be about violence and power, even when it is deemed consensual by some. "It is clear that there was a culture of violence and abuse of very young women that ran almost unchecked in some provincial towns in the period identified by the recent cases. "It is imperative that the women and public of New Zealand are reassured that this culture no longer permeates the police force - some form of public apology and acceptance of guilt by the police for what has happened seems necessary, as well as a reassurance that those coming forward now will be treated with sensitivity and compassion. "I also sympathise strongly with the women who were brave enough to go through the recent trials, as I understand the huge toll it will have taken on them. "The outcome of last week's case has affected many people who have been raped, as it brings up old feelings of helplessness and despair." Green Party Justice Spokesperson Nandor Tanczos said that regardless of the jury verdict - given that proving a historical rape charge 'beyond reasonable doubt' is extremely difficult - the behaviour admitted by the defendants was in his view unethical and abusive of their positions as police officers. Women's Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says it is crucial that women who are rape victims are protected in court. It is grossly unfair that at times women are effectively put on trial and their previous life dragged through the courts.