May 02, 2005

Handling of sex abuse claims defended

NEW ZEALAND
TVNZ

May 2, 2005

Presbyterian Support is defending its handling of historic sexual abuse claims at one of its children's homes.

At least 14 former residents of the Berhampore Children's Home in Wellington have told police they were sexually abused at the home in the 1950s and 1960s by Walter Lake, who ran the orphanage for 20 years.

TVNZ's Sunday show revealed Lake's abuses in an investigation last year which prompted a police inquiry. Police were set to take action but lake died before they could get him to court.

Presbyterian Support has been criticised for failing to properly investigate the claims.

But Presbyterian Support says it can't investigate the 40-year old allegations without knowing who the complainants are.

Posted by kshaw at May 2, 2005 07:12 AM