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The Press
July 31, 2002
More ex-pupils claim abuse
by Yvonne Martin
More
men are emerging saying that they were abused as boys by brothers of a
Christchurch Catholic residential school, as well as by older students.
A total of 48 men have now come forward claiming sexual abuse during their time
at
Further details have emerged that two senior students have been implicated in
the scandal, in addition to four St John of God brothers.
Of two brothers remaining in the order, a senior brother has been stood down,
while the matter is resolved, and another is retired.
Brother Peter Burke, the visiting Australasian head of the order, is appalled
that older students allegedly abused younger boys.
"It's more than a worry, it's disastrous," he said.
Children with learning and intellectual disabilities, ranging from seven to 17
years, were sent to
Brother Burke understood that the two boys complained of were very senior
students, but he did not know their names or ages.
Asked if the order was going to try to trace the students, Brother Burke said
he would have to look into what it could do.
In the next 10 days, Sydney-based Brother Burke is travelling the
Four complainants are in Paparua Prison, two in Rolleston,
and another in Invercargill Prison.
The Southland inmate has lodged a complaint with the police about alleged abuse
by a brother in the 1970s, as have other complainants.
He claims an abusive brother silenced him as a boy, by threatening that he
would not see his family at weekends, if he reported incidents.
"Brother X used to follow me around a lot, and he used to take me to the
church by himself and touch me there," the inmate said.
Brother Burke estimates it will take two to three months to resolve claims, and
that could include more financial settlements. So far, the order has paid
$300,000 to five
"I am interested in total justice for victims, and if it (compensation) is
warranted, we will do the best we possibly can for them," he said.
Brother Burke has invited complainants to go to the police, and confirms that some
have.