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Accusations of Abuse in Institutions

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Otago Daily Times
January 16, 2004

Plan to sue over abuse of children
NZPA

Wellington: Almost 50 former inmates of children's institutions plan to sue the Government over accusations of abuse and claims of a cover-up.

The group of about 45 were mostly inmates during the 1960s and 1970s of Campbell Park School, in Otekaike, North Otago; Epuni Boys Home, Lower Hutt; Hokio Beach Training Centre, near Levin; Miramar Girls Receiving Home, Wellington; Fareham House girls' home, Wairarapa; and Kohitere Boys Training Centre, Levin.

Spearheaded by Wellington lawyers Sonja Cooper and Carla Leader, the combined legal action claims the treatment of the children robbed them of their education and forced many of them into a pattern of crime, violence, drug and alcohol abuse, unemployment and failed relationships.

The lawyers said the case was still being prepared and a decision on the amount of compensation sought was yet to be made. The claim is against the Crown - representing the former Social Welfare Department which ran the homes - and alleges sexual, physical and emotional abuse.

Included are two claims of covering up sexual abuse.

"Both involved staff members and it appears deliberate decisions were made to sweep it under the carpet instead of contacting police. They seem to have decided it was best for everybody if they just hushed it up," Ms Cooper said.

In one case, at Hokio Beach home, an investigation was carried out after a boy complained, but the staff member was allowed to resign, being granted holiday pay and annual leave entitlements.

In another case, at Epuni, the person concerned was apparently allowed to retire.

"Both were able to leave the honourable way," she said.

Social Welfare's modern equivalent, Child, Youth and Family, said it had no knowledge of the claims and could not comment.