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Accusations of Abuse in Institutions

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The Press
September 14, 2002

Burke 'believes stories'

Eighty-two men have now complained of sexual abuse as boys at a former Christchurch Catholic residential school.

The number of men alleging abuse at Marylands, run by the St John of God Order, has increased from 70 last month. Most complainants were residents there between 1972 and 1977.

Brother Peter Burke, the Australasian head of the order, who has just completed his fifth trip to New Zealand to meet complainants, said he believed the men's stories.

"I'm convinced there has been no collusion, however, there is a pattern and numerous common elements in the stories each of them have told me," he said.

Brother Burke had urged complainants to go to the police. After the police inquiries were completed, the order would look at resolving the claims, hopefully by the year's end.

"I really believe from my heart that people have been damaged and there has to be some justice and some way the order takes responsibility."