McSkimming scandal: How there is hope for survivors in those who spoke up

It’s been revealed that Police ignored sex allegations against a former top cop, and instead prosecuted a woman for ‘revenge emails’.

The woman had emailed police, politicians, and newsrooms accusing former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming of being a sexual predator.

The police watchdog has released a scathing 135-page report into how the allegations were treated, and how the “ambitions of a senior police officer were put above the interests of a vulnerable woman”.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said she was “ignored and badly let down”.

He has said it makes for “appalling reading” and the conduct of the former top brass is “inexcusable”.

He was briefed about the situation just two days before he stepped into the top role.  

During the course of the investigation, detectives discovered McSkimming had used his work devices to search for pornography, including bestiality and child sex exploitation material, for at least five years.

The 52-year-old resigned in disgrace and was later charged with possession of objectionable material. He’s pleaded guilty last week and will be sentenced next month.

This whole ordeal has been indisputably damaging to one of the most important institutions in our country.

Later we’ll speak to HELP Auckland’s executive director Kathryn McPhillips about how to support anyone who has experienced sexual abuse.

But first, someone who knows all too well what it’s like to step up to those in power is Louise Nicholas.

She alleged police officers raped her as a teen in the 80s, this resulted in criminal trials, a Commission of Inquiry, and an officer being jailed for attempting to pervert the course of justice.

She is a campaigner for victims of sexual assault, and joins us now on The Front Page.

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