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Accusations of Abuse in Institutions

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The Press
January 17, 2003

Chch law firm signing-up abuse victims
by Yvonne Martin

A prominent Christchurch law firm is recruiting victims of a Catholic Church sex abuse scandal, as the order involved prepares to pay compensation.

The St John of God Order is negotiating with 70 men alleging they were abused as boys at Marylands, the former residential school in Christchurch.

Grant Cameron Associates, which already represents 10 victims, plans to meet another group of 35 men in the hope of bringing them aboard.

Lawyer Patrick McPherson from the firm said the men need to know the legal implications before they signed any contract with the order.

"The order is very well represented and it is only fair that there is an equality with both sides having good representation," he said.

So far the Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust has supported the 35 men in their dealings with the order.

But trust manager Ken Clearwater is stepping aside from the financial negotiations, saying it is time the men had professional legal advice.

"The abuse has been accepted. Something happened at Marylands. Now it's a matter of compensation and getting what the men deserve," he said.

Mr McPherson will address a meeting at the trust on January 28 at 5.30pm. He said the order's process was good in principle, but the men needed to be fully aware of their legal position before settling.

"They need representation because the process set up mirrors a court process and is governed by legal principles," said Mr McPherson.

Grant Cameron Associates represented former Lake Alice child patients, paid $6.5 million compensation for the abuse they suffered at the hospital, and families of victims of the Cave Creek tragedy.

Mr McPherson said the method of payment for legal representation would be discussed at the meeting. His firm planned to ask St John of God if it would cover the men's legal fees.

Brother Peter Burke, the Australasian head of the order, said he was happy for the men to pursue their complaints however they chose.

Up until now he has flown to New Zealand and talked to the men personally. The order has also hired retired High Court judge Sir Rodney Gallen to review its complaints process and advise on compensation.

"But if some people prefer to deal through lawyers, instead of directly with us, that's fine," said Brother Burke.

"I appreciate that and will happily work with people directly or through their lawyers, whatever they prefer. Quite simply, my number-one priority is to have these complaints resolved to everyone's satisfaction and as soon as possible."

In late November the order issued a one-off payment of $1500 each to victims. It promised to settle claims in February- March.

Police are investigating about 30 complaints from men. Once completed, the file will go to the Crown solicitors for an opinion on possible prosecutions.

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CAPTION:

Brother Peter Burke