Calls to Mirror Aus Investigation into Sex Abuse

Farming Show
November 15, 2012

http://www.farmingshow.com/news/nbnat/381359828-calls-to-mirror-aus-investigation-into-sex-abuse

As the Australian government sets up a Royal Commission to investigate how institutions like schools and churches have dealt with accusations of abuse - there are calls for the same to happen here.

The Catholic Church is coming in for the most attention.

Australian Police have indicated they want to speak to members of St John of God in New Zealand in relation to incidents at Marylands school in Christchurch where three Catholic brothers were convicted of historical abuse.

National manager of the Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Trust, Ken Clearwater, says many other victims came forward after those cases went to court - highlighting the scope of the issue in New Zealand.

"It's widespread throughout New Zealand and the Catholic Church in New Zealand have tried to downplay it and I think now they may have to open it up."

Mr Clearwater says our Government needs to follow Australia's lead.

"Hopefully it will certainly help the Australian inquiry, but we've got to have an inquiry here in New Zealand. We've got to stop pretending that it's ok and that it didn't happen, we certainly (must) have an inquiry here."