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Accusations of Abuse in Institutions

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The Press
July 6, 2002

Abused await leader
by Yvonne Martin

Several men alleging they were abused as boys at a Christchurch Catholic boarding school are delaying any legal action until they meet a Church leader.

Five men claiming they were abused over four decades at Marylands (run by the Order of St John of God) and their families met yesterday to discuss their experiences and reparation.

Meeting organiser Ken Clearwater, who manages the Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust, presented the 25 participants with a legal opinion from Christchurch lawyer Grant Cameron recommending a group action.

Mr Clearwater said the complainants felt they were unable to make a decision until they had met the Australasian head of the St John of God Order, Brother Peter Burke, when he visits from Sydney in a fortnight.

Of the five complainants, three allege abuse during the 1970s and two during the late 1950s. Marylands was run by the brothers for boys with learning or intellectual problems until 1984, when the Department of Education took it over.

"All five of them thought they were isolated cases," said Mr Clearwater, who will organise further meetings. "The first priority is to ensure they have counselling and networks in place."

A new national Catholic helpline (0800 111 515) received steady calls in its first day of operation yesterday.

In addition, about 135 calls have been received by a Society of Mary (Marist priests and brothers) freephone to report abuse, since Sunday.

The society's deputy leader, Father Tim Duckworth, said seven fresh complaints emerged from the calls and were being investigated by the order.

Other complaints about an accused former Marist priest, Alan Woodcock, have been handed on to the Upper Hutt CIB which is reviewing whether he should be extradited from London.