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One News
December 24, 2003
Nuns do deal with abuse victims
A
Catholic order of nuns has done a deal with 17 people alleging abuse at its
Christchurch orphanages.
The men and women complained to the Sisters of Nazareth about their time at
Nazareth House and
The Catholic church has now apologised to the alleged victims and given away
thousands of dollars in gifts.
Helen, 64, was just five when her parents sent her to live at Nazareth House.
"We thought we were going to be taken care of by loving nuns and they just
turned out to be monsters," Helen told ONE News.
"They belted us whenever they got the chance."
Helen was one of more than 6,000 children taken care of by the
Christchurch-based nuns. She says they didn't like her because she was left
handed.
"They hit you with copper sticks," Helen says.
She says 18 out of 30 complainants have been compensated for the alleged abuse,
although none were given cash payouts.
Helen says they have said they will look after her health needs for the rest of
her life, as well as paying for a trip to
The church has apologised for the abuse but denies any of the victims were
subjected to sexual abuse.
Lawyer Lee Robinson says the people were in the care of the church for several
years.
"They've been disenfranchised, they've been compromised as a result of all
sorts of things including they say their time at Nazareth House."
Robinson says it has taken two years for the women to get compensation which he
believes amounts to about $500,000.
"We haven't made lump sum payments," says Robinson.
Thirteen men have also claimed they were abused - but not by the sisters. They
say they were abused by two priests when they were in the care of the sisters.
Their claims will be looked into next year.