Silipa Take Former NZ AIDS Foundation staffer Silipa Take will appear in the Wellington District Court tomorrow to face at least two charges of indecent assault of a man or boy over the age of 16. The charges, laid in October last year, arise from claims which first surfaced in 2009 when he worked as a counselor for the Foundation in its Awhina Centre in Wellington. Although the initial two charges relate to one client it is understood police investigations in recent months have unearthed several other potential complainants. When the allegations first surfaced Take was asked by the NZAF to resign and he did so. However, it has emerged that the NZAF management at the time did not attempt to contact any of Take's other clients to ascertain if the alleged problem was more widespread and to check on their well-being. Other than to say the organisation's actions were "immediate and robust" the Foundation's chair at that time is refusing to comment as Take is before the court. But several past NZAF chairs have expressed unease over how the matter was handled. Current Executive Director, Shaun Robinson, has apologised on behalf of the NZAF for its not following up with Take's other clients, admitting "stronger action" was needed. GayNZ.com Daily News will tomorrow report on the case from the Wellington District Court.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 13th May 2013 - 8:56am