Allegations
of Abuse in Institutions |
|
Claims of abuse are
starting to pile up for the Salvation Army - a church group renowned for its
work across New Zealand. ONE News earlier
revealed the story of an Auckland man who claimed abuse in a Salvation Army
home decades ago - since then, the tally of alleged abuses now being
investigated has risen to 36 cases. Salvation Army
Commissioner Shaw Clifton says more details are coming to light. "An over-harsh
regime of corporal punishment, and we're hearing stories of staff members
being far too enthusiastic about that and taking matters much, much too far.
Then there's a minority of calls, but nevertheless highly significant calls,
which allege episodes of sexual abuse." A week ago the
Salvation Army was investigating eight complaints of abuse from children who
grew up in its homes in the 50s, 60s and 70s - it is now investigating 28
more. Some are allegations of
sexual abuse by older boys against younger boys, but most are allegations of
abuse by staff. The majority of
complaints originate from the Hodderville Boys' Home in the Waikato town of
Putaruru and Whatman Children's Home in Masterton. In Australia the
Salvation Army has just apologised for 43 cases of abuse and paid nearly $1
million in compensation. The Salvation Army in
New Zealand says most of its alleged victims have not asked for compensation
yet, but the organisation admits the claims, if proven, could be costly. Clifton says it is an
eventuality which must be considered. "It could turn out
that way, but we're ready and we're not going to duck and weave on this. I
want it all brought out and put on the table." The Salvation Army
plans to meet face to face with anyone who claims they have been abused. Some complainants are
in turn speaking to lawyers. Several spoken to by ONE News say they want
formal written apologies and substantial compensation |