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Allegations
of Abuse in Institutions |
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An elderly Auckland man
will stand trial on multiple sex-abuse charges from his time as manager of a
Salvation Army children's home in the 1970s. John Francis Gainsford,
69, managed the Bramwell Booth children's home in Temuka, South Canterbury,
between January 1973 and January 1975, and allegedly abused seven young
people in that time. He faces 28 charges of
sexual violation and other indecencies, and is expected to stand trial later
this year. The Salvation Army said
it had been up to 30 years since Mr Gainsford, a former captain, was involved
with the organisation. The home ceased caring for children in the late 1970s.
It has accepted that
abuse took place at its children's homes, all of which are now closed. In
recent years the army had met dozens of people claiming they were abused. "We are aware of
instances in the past where people in the care of the Salvation Army were
abused," said spokesman Major Alistair Herring. "In some instances
[the abusers] are no longer alive. It has horrified us that this could occur
for any child at any time." Some people simply
wanted to tell their story, some wanted an explanation and apology, while
others sought cash payouts or assistance with counselling or therapy, which
the Salvation Army had provided, he said. Of the seven alleged
victims of Gainsford, some had approached the Salvation Army before going to
police to make a complaint. "It is standard
practice to advise people to seek legal advice and support and we have
assured them if it leads to them approaching police then we will fully
co-operate with the investigation," said Mr Herring. Only a small handful of
complaints from people who had approached the Salvation Army had still to be
settled, he said. The organisation was open to others coming forward. |
