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Allegations
of Abuse in Institutions |
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Claims that alleged
abuse of young soldiers at Waiouru's Regular Force Cadet School was no different
to typical boarding school behaviour of the era have brought a sharp rebuke
from a former cadet. Michael Everett, of
Woodville, said yesterday the difference between cadet school and boarding
school wasn't a subtle one. "Put a 50lb (22kg)
pack on your back, get a rifle and do a battle efficiency test -- then get
back to the barracks for a beating," he said. "The abuse, in
addition to the rigours of soldier training, separate the RF Cadet School
from school days." Mr Everett said he was
happy with soldiering. That was why he was there and that was what he was
paid for. "But I didn't
expect to suffer abuse at the hands of my fellow soldiers," he said. To those who claim it's
all in the name of compensation, Mr Everett said it is obvious there hasn't
been any, other than the knowledge that the issue is at last in the public
arena. "This is our time
of healing. They were dark days for some us." The Government is this
week to announce the terms of reference for a formal inquiry into the cadet
abuse claims. |
