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Allegations
of Abuse in Institutions |
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What was your reaction
to news this week of allegations revealed of physical and sexual abuse of
army cadets? Was it outrage, sympathy, disbelief or cynicism?, To his credit, Defence
Minister Mark Burton has reacted promptly, ordering a preliminary inquiry,
and saying the allegations need to be looked at seriously and thoroughly. The allegations, made
at the weekend by a former cadet, are that there was widespread physical,
psychological and sexual abuse of cadets at the Waiouru Cadet School from the
1960s to 1980s. Judging by a flood of emails and calls from former cadets
supporting his claims, the allegations appear to have substance. If that's the case
there should be outrage over them and sympathy for the victims. However, a
degree of cynicism may also be warranted because of the length of time it has
taken for the claims to be made. The alleged abuse dates back 20 to 40 years.
It is understandable that 40 years ago it would have been hard to blow the
whistle on such conduct because attitudes were different. Much of what is now
considered physical abuse would have been put down to hard discipline and to
be expected in the army. However, attitudes have changed, especially in the
last 20 years and it is surprising that someone has not spoken out publicly
earlier. Now there is a
completely different climate, and thankfully abuse victims are able to speak
out about their treatment and the emotional scars that have been left long
after any physical scars may have healed. Numerous allegations have been made
about abuse in religious and psychiatric institutions. Most of these are
genuine, and the victims seek an acknowledgement of the wrongdoing from the
church or whatever organisation is responsible, an apology, and counselling
or other help to heal. Some also seek compensation and that may be
appropriate, but it is hoped that allegations are not motivated solely by a
drive to obtain money. In the past three years
since legislation for sex abuse claims changed, the ACC has received more
than 17,000 "sensitive" claims, and accepted just over 14,048. In
the year ending last October it paid out more than $27 million to claimants.
It seems there are plenty of victims willing to speak out now, and there's
sure to be more. The preliminary inquiry
into the Waiouru cadet abuse allegations will have to ascertain what
happened, a task made difficult because the claims are historic. The army
must cooperate, and there may be a need for a fuller independent inquiry.
However, it would be wrong to judge the army now on practices of old, as it
is a much changed organisation. Victims can expect support to be provided to
them, but the lesson to be learned from the continuing series of allegations
must be that it is better to speak out earlier rather than later about any
abuse, so that those responsible can be brought to justice. |
