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Allegations of Abuse
in Institutions |
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The number of claims against the Crown
for alleged physical, sexual and mental abuse at Porirua Hospital during the
1960s and 70s had risen to about 130 by yesterday. One of the lawyers spearheading
the legal action, Sonja Cooper, said more claims were expected. "People find it difficult to
talk about this kind of abuse and for some it can take months or even years
to summon up the courage." In March 2002 The Dominion
highlighted the case of Gina, who claimed that at 11 she had been beaten and
subjected to electric shock treatment while a patient at Porirua Hospital.
The story led to a flood of similar complaints. Ms Cooper said the number of
people still coming forward confirmed that what people were saying needed to
be investigated. She would prefer that the Crown
hold an inquiry similar to that into abuse at "I just don't want to have
them retraumatised by having to undergo litigation." Attorney-General
Margaret Wilson said yesterday the Government would do all it could to ensure
prompt action on allegations about treatment at |
