THERE are fears Swan Hill women could have been preyed on by a rapist doctor who practised in the rural city before moving to the Victorian Surf Coast.
Disgraced former doctor Shafiul Milky was found guilty and jailed last month for 14 years following the rape and sexual assault of six female patients.
A jury found Milky, 59, guilty of all 15 charges of indecent assault, sexual assault and rape of his patients while he worked at the Ocean Grove Peninsula Family Medical Practice and with the Home Doctor Service between September 2012 and February 2019.
Milky also practised in the Swan Hill area before his time in Ocean Grove. It’s unclear what years he practised in northern Victoria.
Solicitors Arnold Thomas & Becker have been approached by 13 women who allege they were sexual assaulted while attending the Ocean Grove Peninsula Family Medical Practice and when using the National Home Doctor Service.
The Guardian is not suggesting Milky is guilty of any crimes in Swan Hill.
Principal lawyer Jodie Harris said the firm was concerned about how long Milky may have been abusing patients, and that the medical practice he worked at had not done enough to protect female patients.
“Given the number of women who have come forward alleging sexual abuse by Milky in the Geelong region, we have genuine concerns that he may have preyed on more women at other places that he worked at,” Ms Harris told The Guardian.
“The number of complaints received about him inappropriately touching women under the guise of performing legitimate procedures indicates that he had a tendency for predatory behaviour.”
Ms Harris said no women had approached the firm from the Swan Hill region, but the firm was “conducting investigations into where he practised and whether any complaints had been made against him”.
The Guardian understands a survivor of Milky’s evil actions posted the outcome of the trial on a Swan Hill community Facebook page.
One woman privately spoke to her and encouraged her to contact lawyers.
“The bravery of the women speaking out has enabled us to better understand the extent of the assaults,” Ms Harris said.
“As suspected, many more women have come forward speaking about their own experiences.
“We hope that following his conviction and sentencing any women who may have been reluctant to come forward now have the confidence to be heard and believed.
“What Milky did to his patients was predatory and in some cases this has had lasting impacts on these women.
“We will respect the privacy of any woman coming forward and will be able to advise them on their prospects for financial compensation.
“Arnold Thomas & Becker have a local Geelong office and urge anyone with information to call 4224 0070 for a confidential discussion or to email geelong@arnoldthomasbecker.com.au with any information.”
Ms Harris said the sentencing might give women who had been reluctant to come forward the confidence of knowing that their concerns were real and they would be believed.
“A woman does not need to initiate criminal charges in order to make a claim against Milky,” she said.
“A civil claim can be run separately and provides an opportunity to claim for financial compensation, which can assist aid in the woman’s recovery.”
Milky likely faces deportation after he completes his jail sentence.
Anyone who is affected by sexual assault or harassment can call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
See also: Victim speaks about assault
