Victims deserve better from Government

Serious questions remain unanswered by both the Minister of Justice, Judith Collins, and Police Minister, Anne Tolley, regarding recent allegations of sexual violence against underage girls, Labour says.

“The behaviour of these young men is abhorrent, and based on their public postings, possibly criminal,” Labour’s Police spokesperson Jacinda Ardern said.

“The public are absolutely right to question why, after two years of the police being aware of the behaviour, they have been unable to translate their investigation into action against the alleged offenders.

“The issue of consent is not relevant when a 13 year old is involved – that is a child protection issue, plain and simple. If the police have advised Ministers of problems with the law, then the Ministers must front up.

“The public need assurance from the police and, where appropriate, the Police Minister, that everything that should and could have been done, has been done.

“Were police given the resources they required to fully investigate this case, including support from the Head Office legal team, was a warrant for electronic and physical surveillance issued?

“Of course caution needs to be exercised to ensure the investigation is not jeopardised and that the victims are protected, but the need for transparency is heightened by reports that a relative of a police officer is alleged to have been involved,” Jacinda Ardern said.

Justice spokesperson, Andrew Little, said Justice Minister Judith Collins also had a role to play, especially around issues to do with court procedures.

“If victims aren’t coming forward because of fears around giving statements or evidence, then let’s hear from Ms Collins about how she will address that.

“If she agrees this type of behaviour is unacceptable, but our criminal laws and laws of evidence mean that it goes unchecked, she needs to explain how she will keep girls and young women safe.

“The public deserves some answers from Ms Tolley and Ms Collins and the victims deserve to know the justice system is there to support and protect them,” Andrew Little said.

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