Harrowing abuse and neglect in state and faith-based care needs comprehensive redress

The New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC) stands in solidarity with the survivors of abuse and neglect as detailed in the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry’s final report.

NZAC acknowledges the bravery of those who have come forward to share their painful experiences and supports the report’s recommendations for systemic reform.

The need for holistic and comprehensive redress is paramount, NZAC President Sarah Maindonald says, and the Government must take immediate and meaningful action.

The report’s findings paint a harrowing and distressing picture, revealing widespread abuse and neglect that have resulted in immense suffering for individuals and families across Aotearoa.

Unfortunately, tamariki Māori, rangatahi Māori and pakeke Māori in care suffered an inequitable amount of harm due to the limited understanding of whakapapa, whanaungatanga, mana whenua and kaitiakitanga.

Profoundly concerning is the intergenerational effects of this harm on whānau, hapū, and iwi, Maindonald says.

Among the key recommendations, the report highlights the importance of providing fair compensation to survivors, ensuring access to the provision of culturally responsive mental health support services, and implementing robust safeguarding measures to prevent future harm.

These measures are essential to assist in rebuilding people’s lives and promoting healing within affected communities, Maindonald says.

“This is a crucial step towards acknowledging the suffering of countless individuals who were failed by the very institutions meant to protect them.

“It is now the responsibility of the Government to take decisive action to provide justice and support to survivors and their families.

“While we cannot change the past, we can and must work towards a future where such atrocities are never repeated.”

Priority should be given to engaging with survivors and their advocates throughout this process, Maindonald says.

This includes establishing a transparent and survivor-centred approach to redress, ensuring that survivors’ voices are heard and respected at every stage.

“The state has a moral responsibility to provide adequate resources for therapeutic support and mental health services to promote healing, as the journey is long and complex,” Maindonald says.