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Accusations of Abuse in Institutions

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The Timaru Herald
August 2, 2002

Catholic leader to visit victims

Timaru and Waimate are on the itinerary of a Catholic leader who is visiting New Zealand to hear cases of sexual abuse that allegedly took place at Marylands, a Christchurch Catholic residential school.

Brother Peter Burke, the Australasian head of the St John of God Order which ran the school, will be visiting six South Island centres to talk to men who have reported the abuse.

A total of 48 men came forward claiming they were sexually abused while at Marylands. Most of the cases date back to the 1970s.

Br Burke said yesterday he had not received any fresh complaints in the past few days. He will also be visiting Christchurch, Dunedin, Mataura and Dunedin before he returns to Australia on August 11.

Br Burke said he had been appalled by the alleged abuse.

"It's disturbing," he said.

Children with learning and intellectual disabilities, ranging from seven to 17 years, were sent to Marylands by Catholic families throughout New Zealand.

Sydney-based Br Burke will meet 28 complainants in his latest visit.

He met 19 complainants in his four-day visit last month and is planning a North Island trip to meet other complainants later this month.

"I have been encouraging them to go to the police and lay their complaints. When they have finished I have said I will talk to them.

"After each meeting I have offered immediate counselling and it has generally been accepted."

Br Burke said it would take months to resolve the claims.