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Stolen Lives, Marked Souls – Inquiry into abuse and neglect at Marylands School and Hebron Trust report release
Today, the Royal Commission’s report Stolen Lives, Marked Souls is being released by the Government. It is now available to read on our website.
Our inquiries found cries for help from survivors of Marylands School and Hebron Trust were ignored for decades.
Both facilities were run by the Order of the Brothers of St John of God.
The report found the Catholic Church, the Order and State have never been found accountable for their role or for failing to address the harm.
Inquiry Chair Coral Shaw said, “Marylands School was a place of depravity, sexual, physical and spiritual violence. At Hebron Trust, rangatahi were sexually and physically abused by one of the most prolific serial rapists of the Order.
“We are aware of no other circumstances or institution where the sexual abuse has been so extreme or has involved such a high proportion of perpetrators over the same extended period of time as that at Marylands School.”
Parents sent their children to be cared for by the brothers, often on advice of the State, believing it was the best place for them. Instead, survivors experienced extreme abuse and neglect with lifelong consequences.
“Devastatingly, many grew up to suffer painful, life-long physical injuries and illnesses caused by the abuse,” said Coral Shaw. “Many survivors contemplated or even attempted suicide. Tragically, some have lost their lives this way.
“When children reported abuse and neglect, they were not believed. Not believed by social workers, police, the brothers or the Catholic Church.”
Of the 537 boys who attended Marylands School, more than one in five (118) reported abuse while in the school's care. However, the true number is likely much higher as there are significant barriers to disclosure and reporting of abuse by disabled survivors.
Of the 37 brothers from the Order who ministered in the Christchurch community and Marylands School, 21 had allegations of some form of abuse made against them. Brother Bernard McGrath alone has been convicted of more than 100 offences both here and in Australia. He will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.
Although the State registered and financially supported Marylands as a special school it failed to protect the boys and put a stop to the atrocities due to a lack of oversight and monitoring of the brothers operating the school. Evidence shows the Crown may well have breached te Tiriti and human rights obligations.
“Survivors have suffered for years and been robbed of their potential because those who were meant to care for them shamefully enabled the abuse and neglect, ignored it or covered it up.”
“Without accountability, there can be no confidence that such events will not be able to occur again,” said Coral Shaw.
We know that the release of the St John of God report and its findings may be distressing for you. Remember, we are here for you. If you need support, contact us during weekday hours at 0800 222 727, free text 8155 or email us at contact@abuseincare.org.nz.
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