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

One News
August 10, 2002

Head of order meets abuse victims

The head of a catholic order investigating claims of abuse has now spoken to 50 South Island men about what happened to them in the 1970s.

Brother Peter Burke heads the order of St John of God in Australasia and says the stories he has heard of sexual and physical abuse have made him at times question his faith.

He is about to travel to the North Island to hear more complaints.

"It's been very traumatic and these people are completely traumatised themselves for years they've held this inside them," says Burke.

"It questions my faith, it's very difficult. It brings me to tears, hearing some of the stories, it's just devastating."

The victims and their families are spread throughout the country and several he has seen in prison.

"We haven't talked about blame but I would see myself personally that the reason some of those guys are in prison today is because of situations that would've happened in their earlier life, it's very upsetting.''

The order has already paid out millions to victims in Australia and more than $300,000 compensation here.

"I'm determined to see it through, I have a responsibility to see it through and I have a responsibility to make sure justice is done in this whole devastating case," says Burke who will be back to talk to victims living in the North Island