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The Dominion Post
August 28, 2003
Judge backed the children
Letter to the Editor
by P Hall, (Mt Victoria)
Congratulations
for printing interviews with two of the children from Christchurch Civic
Creche (Weekend Magazine, August 16-17) and for giving space to experts such
as the child behavioural worker. I am sure it was difficult and painful for
the children and their parents to relive the experiences.
For so long, the only point of view heard was that of Peter Ellis and his
supporters -- not even the series of detailed court judgments have been put
clearly before the wider public. Otherwise, people could see how the current
accusations were argued in court, taken into careful consideration by the
High Court judge and jury, and by the Court of Appeal judges -- and rejected.
It is noteworthy just how cautious the jury was in finding Ellis guilty on 16
charges and not guilty on nine -- they were quite clear that a number of
charges were not proven beyond reasonable doubt, but equally clear that a
number were. The judge explicitly backed their assessment when he said to
Ellis:
"Unlike almost all of those who have publicly feasted off this case by
expressing their opinions, the jury actually heard and saw each of the
children. They also heard your own evidence and that of the other former
Civic Creche workers. The jury disbelieved you. They believed the children
and I agree with that assessment."
The Dominion Post
August 28, 2003
Listen to our children
Letter to the Editor
by Geoff Stone,
(Mt Cook, Abridged)
I
agree with Rosemary McLeod (Opinion, August 21) about the clamour to
exonerate Peter Ellis. Many prominent people who support a royal commission
of inquiry into Ellis' conviction have minimised or misunderstood the extent
and effects of sexual abuse on children.
There is a new hysteria replacing the one that author Lynley Hood alleges
resulted in Ellis' conviction -- the fear that men will be falsely accused of
sexual abuse.
Having worked in a therapeutic role with men who have sexually abused
children, I know that the level of abuse reported is lower than that which
has actually occurred. When men are convicted, they are usually held to
account for only a fraction of their offending. Many men are prosecuted for
abusive behaviour that has roots in the abuse they suffered as children.
The most important issue is how we keep our children safe from abuse by
family members, friends, and those charged with their care. Strangers are a
low risk by comparison.
Parents and guardians must listen to their children and pay attention to
their behaviour and concerns. If they show signs of unusual distress,
aggression or withdrawal, check it out.
If we are to act morally, and in so doing help create a more caring society,
we must pay more attention to what is going on for our children. I believe
that is what some of the parents of children who attended the Christchurch
Civic Creche were trying to do. The only (wholly unacceptable) alternative is
to wait for "hard evidence" -- a child physically damaged -- before
we act.
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