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Allegations
of Abuse in Institutions |
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Berhampore Children's
Home sex abuse complainants are hopeful of a resolution after meeting
Presbyterian Support. The agency has changed
tack in its handling of the former residents' allegations of sexual and
physical abuse by justice of the peace Walter Lake, who headed the Wellington
orphanage. At least 14 former
residents went to police last year with claims they were sexually abused
during the 1950s and 60s by Lake, who was made an OBE for social services in
1986. He died last November, aged 84, just before police were to charge him
with sex offences. Allegations of abuse
involving Lake have continued to surface, with three siblings telling The
Dominion Post last week that they had suffered sexual and physical abuse for
years while at the home. Complainants and
Presbyterian Support representatives met on Friday, after the agency agreed
to discuss compensation. They issued a joint statement yesterday saying they
were pleased with progress, but would make no further comment "in the
interests of sustaining a constructive climate for discussions". Till last week, the
agency said it would not deal with complainants who went public, nor would it
be liable for the claims. Complainants are now
understood to be hopeful of a resolution. The next few weeks will be spent
establishing a process for handling the cases. Presbyterian Support's
about-face follows a report by the Presbyterian Church, a separate entity,
expressing concern at public perception over complainants being treated with
a "lack of respect and sensitivity". Last week, Shona Brown,
49, said Lake had sexually assaulted her, usually in his car on the way to
the church office. Her brothers, Michael, 44, and Ross, 46, said they were
given horrendous beatings by Lake that often drew blood. Presbyterian Support
spokesman Trevor Roberts – who was not involved in Friday's meeting – was
sidelined after the church's report. He has accused complainants of being
motivated by money and the report said he had "failed badly" in
response to allegations. The bad publicity would hurt the church, it said. |
