The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry Faith-based Redress hearing continues today in Auckland.

Commissioners will hear from one witness; evidence summary is below.

The hearing is being live-streamed here.

Hearing location: Level 2, 414 Khyber Pass Road, Newmarket, Auckland 1023.

4 December

10:00am

John

John will give evidence about the abuse he experienced during the two years he was at a Catholic intermediate school in the early 1980s, run by the Marist Brothers, and his experiences in trying to get redress from the Catholic Church. The abuser, who sexually groomed then raped John, was Principal of the school. John will outline the effects of the abuse on his opportunities for education and employment, his relationships, and his mental health. He will describe how he has sought redress using the processes provided by the Catholic Church and the frustrations he has experienced. John questions the Marist Brothers’ understanding of how re-traumatising it has been for him to go through the Church’s redress process. He will address the need for better support from the Church and an independent redress process.  

Media enquiries: 027 298 2094; media@abuseincare.org.nz

About the Abuse in Care Inquiry

The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry is investigating the abuse and neglect that happened to children, young people and vulnerable adults in care from 1950 and 1999. It will also consider experiences of abuse or neglect before outside these dates. After completing its investigations, it will make recommendations to the Governor General on how New Zealand can better care for children, young people and vulnerable adults.