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Accusations of Abuse in Institutions

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One News
June 29, 2002

Church sets up abuse hotline

A Catholic order has set up a hotline for people who may have been sexually abused by priests or brothers.

Its launch co-incides with the New Zealand Catholic Church's first ever official public apology to sexual abuse victims this weekend, which will be read at services throughout the country.

Father Tim Duckworth of the order of Society of Mary says the issue of sexual abuse by members of the church is very topical at the moment, and people who have been hurt in the past may now feel it is time to come forward.

He says the hotline has been set up to help them and counsellors will be available to talk to.

Father Duckworth says the helpline will run from nine to five on weekdays.

The phone number is 0800 SMHELP or 0800 764357.