Looking into what happened to children, young people and vulnerable adults in care is the brief of the Abuse in Care Royal Commission. Having the opportunity to develop a relationship with key stakeholders like Age Concern New Zealand provides the opportunity to build awareness of the mahi of the Royal Commission and support people to register and share their stories.

The Royal Commission of Inquiry is guided by its Terms of Reference that describe the purpose and boundaries of the Inquiry. Terms of Reference can be viewed here. In broad terms the Inquiry will examine the historical abuse and neglect of people in State and faith-based care settings in New Zealand. This includes considering the: circumstances of people going into care;  the nature, extent and impact of abuse; systemic factors; considering how well the systems are working now – including current redress and rehabilitation – and examining how things can be done better in the future.

Our commitment is to work with a range of groups in the community to encourage people to find out about the Inquiry and encourage anyone who has experienced abuse or has information about abuse they may want to share. We recognise that a significant cohort of survivors and witnesses to abuse are aged 65 years and over and it’s crucial we provide this group the opportunity to know about the Royal Commission and more importantly share their stories with us. At times the power of sharing a story through a public hearing, private (confidential) session or written account can be hugely healing, but we acknowledge it can also be traumatic. All survivors who register with us are provided with wellbeing support and there is literacy support available, if needed, to help in drafting written information.

We acknowledge Age Concern New Zealand is a lead organisation providing support services to older people including educational and support services in elder abuse and neglect prevention.  It is for this reason we have an informal but significant arrangement with Age Concern New Zealand to look at ways of raising awareness and supporting participation of older people via governance boards, staff, and volunteers as well as through the national network of 30 Age Concerns working out of 40 locations to reach seniors in the community.

The Royal Commission is committed to ensuring that older people can have the opportunity to participate meaningfully with us over the life of the Inquiry.

How to contact the Royal Commission?

Call 0800 222 727

8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday (NZT)

Email contact@abuseincare.org.nz

https://www.facebook.com/abuseincareRCNZ

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Royal Commission of Inquiry
PO Box 10071
The Terrace
Wellington 6143

How to contact your local Age Concern?

Call 0800 65 2 105 during office hours

Website  www.ageconcern.org.nz

https://www.facebook.com/AgeConcernNewZealand

Where to get help:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111. Or if you need to talk to someone else:

LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7) 

SAFE TO TALK: 0800 044 334 (available 24/7)AGE CONCERN NZ: 0800 65 2 105

SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) 

YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633

NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7) 

WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm) 

DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7) 

SAMARITANS: 0800 726 666 

OUTLINE: 0800 688 5463 (confidential service for the LGBTQI+ community, their friends and families) 

RURAL SUPPORT TRUST: 0800 787 254