Warning: This story discusses graphic sexual offending
An advocate for survivors of sexual abuse says the true extent of Brad Shipton's crimes may never come to light.
The former policeman and convicted rapist died this week aged 65 after suffering early onset dementia.
Brad Shipton was convicted for his part in the 1989 pack rape of a woman in Mt Maunganui.
In a 2009 parole hearing, Shipton confessed to the rape for which he had been imprisoned reportedly saying his life had been full of "disgraceful, disgusting" behaviour.
He and two other police officers were later found not guilty of raping victim advocate, Louisa Nicholas, when she was a teenager.
HELP chief executive Kathryn McPhillips said there could be more unknown victims of Shipton.
"Really we don't know how many victims there are of this man because we don't know if everybody came forward so news of his death may be more triggering for some people than we know.
"My thoughts are with ... known victims and if there are any unknown victims."
Shipton caused significant harm, said McPhillips.
"He wasn't willing to stand up and take responsibility for that harm so in a sense that's double harm ... it means that somebody has to go through a very difficult with the justice system.
McPhillips said the story of Shipton's offending triggered significant change in police to better support complainants of sexual assault.
"We now have funding across the country for a specialist person to support somebody through that police reporting process.
"We have a sexual assault division in police national headquarters staffed by people who are very concerned about victims so things are very different than they were."
McPhillips urged anyone who may be a victim of sexual assault to contact their local support services to help them through the process of making a complaint.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
If you have witnessed or experienced sexual harassment or assault and would like to speak to someone, you could call the HELP support service.
- Auckland: (09) 623 1700 or visit helpauckland.org.nz
- Wellington: (04) 801 6655 or visit wellingtonhelp.org.nz.
RNZ
