www.peterellis.co.nz
: seeking justice for Peter Ellis : mail to:
[email protected]
Accusations of Abuse in Institutions
Index: Home Page Peter Ellis
Index: Accusations in Institutions
The
Evening Post
March 19, 2002
Teacher 'cruel and sadistic' - former student
Raumati's Robin Warnes believes he was emotionally and physically
abused as a child - by teachers who taught him.
Mr Warnes, 54, was prompted to speak out after reading of the abuse which
former child patients suffered at
While not on the same scale as the abuse suffered at Porirua, Mr Warnes
believes institutional abuse is no different if it occurred in a hospital or a
school and that the victims should be recognised and compensated.
He's now considering consulting a lawyer, a course Commissioner for Children
Roger McClay believes he should follow.
Mr Warnes grew up in rural Manawatu where his father was a farm worker in the
1950s and attended
It was at primary school that the cycle of anxiety and depression, which in
later life led to time in psychiatric hospitals and a suicide attempt, began.
He is now on an invalid's benefit.
One teacher in particular he described as "very cruel and sadistic",
handing out regular strappings for little or no reason.
"This was a time of terror. She was keen on using the strap.
"She also used humiliation as a weapon to ensure compliance in the
classroom."
He has written down his experiences and posted them on his own website but even
now, nearly 50 years later, struggles to relate his experiences.
"I am certain there are many more incidents that have been blocked from my
memory. The trauma this teacher has inflicted on me has certainly affected my
quality of life."
Mr Warnes admitted such beatings might not have seemed unusual at the time, but
when asked why others were not affected, he says "count yourself
lucky".
He said he could not talk to his parents about it.
"I could not get out of there. You were compelled to go to school as a
six-year-old. I had no choice over that."
Mr Warnes said many people did not want to speak about school abuse but he had
met many people in psychiatric hospitals and therapy sessions who were
seriously affected by their school experiences.
Both schools have written to Mr Warnes saying they now have policies to deal
with abuse by teachers or students.
Taikorea's board of trustees said in 1996 it couldn't be held responsible for
abuse that occurred in the past.
At that time,
"Your letter and testimony are moving and provide a very powerful argument
against those who would say corporal punishment never hurt anyone and it should
be reinstated," she said.
Mr McClay said Mr Warnes should speak to a lawyer or contact his office