Faith-based care institutions had higher rates of sexual abuse than state care, the landmark Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care has found.
The inquiry found that Catholic institutions reported the highest levels of sexual abuse, alongside Dilworth School in Auckland and Marylands School in Christchurch.
Additionally, it highlighted how the moral authority of religious leaders had allowed abusers in faith-based institutions to commit offences with impunity.
The landmark Abuse in Care inquiry released its findings today, revealing more than a third of people in state and faith-based institutions between 1950 and 2019 were abused — described as a "disgrace" and a "stain" on the national character.
The commission's report said that would remain so if the "gross violations" and injustice are not addressed.
Findings on faith-based care have also shed light on the far-reaching consequences, including the breakdown of families when survivors' experiences weren't believed.
One survivor Frances Tagaloa, who suffered sexual and emotional abuse at the hands of a Catholic brother from the age of five, emphasised the urgency of addressing this issue.
"I came forward as a faith-based survivor to tell my story because I did not want this abuse to happen to anyone else. This abuse is our country's shame, but we have an opportunity, right now, to put this right."
She said the Government "needs to work at speed" to set up a redress system.
The royal commission's report revealed that religious beliefs were often used to justify abusive actions and silence survivors.
After more than six years of evidence, PM Christopher Luxon and Erica Stanford have spoken to media on the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care. (Source: 1News)
It wanted all religious leaders to undergo training to tackle abuse and it also recommended the removal of any leaders convicted of such crimes. In response to the findings, faith-based leaders, including the Pope, have also been asked to apologise.
Ken Clearwater, a survivors' advocate, acknowledged the difficulty some people might have in accepting these findings.
"There will be people who don't want to believe it," he said.
"They'll open the paper and then they'll just turn the page over, because they don't want to read about the rape and torture of children."
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The inquiry has recommended that all faith-based entities work closely with the proposed Care Safe Agency and independent oversight bodies. These measures aim to ensure standards, accreditation, and vetting are in place for those working with children.
Where to get help for sexual violence. (Source: 1News)
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