Shaun Robinson 3.40PM: The New Zealand AIDS Foundation has conceded stronger action should have been taken when allegations of impropriety involving one of its counsellors first arose in 2009. The former counsellor, Silipa Take, has appeared in Wellington District Court today charged with two counts of indecent assault stemming from 2009 when he was working at the Awhina Centre. NZAF Executive Director Shaun Robinson says the Foundation was aware of the allegations in 2009 and asked Take to resign following an internal investigation. He says the matter was not drawn to the attention of the Police or New Zealand Association of Counsellors at that time, because the client involved did not want to take the matter further. Robinson adds the NZAF did strengthen its code of ethical conduct and the professional requirements of its counsellors in 2009 following this incident. “With the wisdom of hindsight stronger action should have been taken with regards to the alleged perpetrator and the NZAF should have done more to investigate whether other clients had been affected,” Robinson says. “These were mistakes and we apologise for them." He says the NZAF takes this matter very seriously. “We are appalled by any abuse and especially in a situation where clients may have been put at risk.” The NZAF has been supporting the process of clients laying complaints to the police. Robinson says it has been offering support to any former clients who might have been affected and would like to hear from anyone who used its services and has concerns that they may have been subjected to indecent assault. They should call 04 3816643. "The NZAF is deeply sorry that such a situation has occurred within our services," Robinson adds. "We offer an unconditional apology to all those who have been affected by these very serious and deeply regrettable events.” He says the Foundation is co-operating fully with police in their enquiry. Take is due to appear in court again early next month and is currently on bail, the conditions of which have not been released.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 26th October 2012 - 3:44pm