Sexual Assault Allegations and Labour

Not so good news, Labour are still at it. I'm talking about the latest sexual assault allegations surrounding a 'youth camp' held by the New Zealand Labour Party at Waihi in February of this year. A 20 year old man is alleged to have assaulted at least three teenage girls aged 16.

This is not the first time folks, but it is the first time the matter has gained mainstream media attention, likely because of the current climate which is spotlighting abuse such as this. When I first heard the latest news, I commented, 'I wonder if the person doing this was the son of someone important?'

I say that because Labour tried to keep a lid on it. It appears they put pressure on the girls to not make a police complaint, and not to go public. This kind of pressure is never overt; it is usually implied in statements around doing what the victim wants, and making counselling available. The implication is that any complaint could result in the victim also being labelled or judged.

Not good enough Labour. The 20 year old is a man, not a boy being silly or inappropriate on a school camp and requiring corrective action be taken. He's a sex offender, pure and simple.

Will this sink Labour? No. Should Labour own this and deal with it appropriately? Yes. Will they? Let's wait and see.

Meanwhile Don Brash, libertarian and former National and Act Party serial underachiever has questioned whether this matter is newsworthy; it led the news across NZ yesterday. You're wrong this time Brash; this is a lead item as Labour tried to cover it up. 

Link on this story: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/102237347/second-sexual-assault-allegation-surfaces-for-labour-party