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Accusations of Abuse in
Institutions
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Newstalk ZB
January 16, 2004
Abuse allegations in Govt institutions
45 former children's institute residents claim they suffered mental, physical
and sexual abuse while in Government's care
The Government could have to pay out for alleged abuse in girls' and boys'
homes around the Wellington region in the 1960s and '70s.
Forty-five former children's institute residents are putting a case together
which include claims of mental, physical and sexual abuse, mostly at six
centres.
Lawyer Sonja Cooper says some of the victims' accounts are harrowing and as she
interviews more of them, it is becoming clear what went on in the institutions.
Ms Cooper says some children were told that their abuse was 'hardening them up'
for adult institutions such as prison, and she says that is exactly where many
of them have ended up.
She says the claims include psychological, physical and sexual abuse.
Ms Cooper, who is also leading a claim against the government on behalf of
former
Sonja Cooper says because the alleged abusers were government employees, the
Government needs to acknowledge what happened and compensate the victims.