Child Sexual Abuse Royal Commission: Salvation Army Commissioner Apologises to Victims
By Candice Marcus
A Salvation Army commander has apologised to victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse while in the care of the organisation last century. Commissioner Floyd Tidd, Southern Territory Commander, was called to give evidence to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse held in Adelaide this week. The commission is examining occurrences of violent child sex abuse at Salvation Army-run children's homes in South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia. Commissioner Tidd began by reading an apology to the survivors, their families and the Australian community. "Since coming to Australia a little over two years ago, a large part of my time I've spent trying to understand how so many children came to be abused in our homes over so many years, and then working to ensure that no child will ever be abused again in the Salvation Army's care," he said. "I have been in the hearing room this week each "I have been in the hearing room this week each day. I have read the written statements and listened carefully to the oral testimony of every survivor who has given evidence to the royal commission. "I have been distressed and deeply moved by what I have heard here. I recognise and I applaud the tremendous courage of each and every survivor in coming forward and telling the world what has happened to you." I am acutely aware that no form of words can erase the damage that was done to any individual who was abused while in our care. Salvation Army Commissioner Floyd Tidd The hearings are in their fourth day, with horrific and disturbing stories told from several survivors who endured crimes as children under the care of Salvation Army officers. Commissioner Tidd directly addressed the survivors throughout his apology and said the Salvation Army had failed to protect them. "All of you were blameless. All of you were just children," he said. "Each and every one of you had the right to be protected and cared for. You had a right to feel safe. You had a right to grow up in an environment that enabled you to reach your full potential." Commissioner Tidd said he had instructed that there be a "complete review of all [compensation] claims that have been settled between the Southern Territory and survivors since 1996". Former residents of the children's homes earlier told the commission that compensation claims were inadequate and were largely paid as "hush money".
Commissioner understands why apologies seem 'meaningless' Commissioner Tidd said he understood why some victims said any apology would seem false and meaningless when they have had to fight for it. The broader Australian community entrusted the Salvation Army with and expected us to protect some of its most vulnerable children. The testimony of survivors shows beyond any shadow of a doubt that that trust was betrayed in a most appalling way. Salvation Army Commissioner Floyd Tidd "I am acutely aware that no form of words can erase the damage that was done to any individual who was abused while in our care," he said. "I know for many of you that my words will seem too little too late. "I can only assure them and others that my words have come from my heart. "I hope they will provide some comfort to at least some survivors and their families today, for the truth of the matter is we betrayed your trust in ways that cannot be reconciled with our mission and with our values as a Christian organisation." Commissioner Tidd assured survivors that the Salvation Army had undertaken a comprehensive review of its policies and procedures to ensure employees were properly screened and children were protected. "It is terribly distressing to think that so much abuse and damage to too many lives could have been avoided, had we taken those steps sooner," he said. He said the Salvation Army supported the commission's recommendation for a national redress scheme and agreed it should include counselling, psychological support and monetary payments. "The broader Australian community entrusted the Salvation Army with and expected us to protect some of its most vulnerable children," Commissioner Tidd said. "The testimony of survivors shows beyond any shadow of a doubt that that trust was betrayed in a most appalling way. "I say again to all survivors, whether or not they have given evidence at this hearing, that I know that no form of words can erase the damage that was done to you and to your loved ones as a result of the abuse you suffered in our care. "Inadequate though my words may be, I offer again my unqualified apology both personally and on behalf of the Salvation Army." Commissioner Tidd said his door was always open to survivors. "I am personally available to meet with any survivor of abuse within any of the homes of Salvation Army Australian Southern Territory," he said. "I am available during the current hearing and at any time afterwards. I promise to listen to your experiences with respect and compassion. "For those of you who request it I will provide an unqualified apology that acknowledges your experience. I will not hide behind the language of lawyers.
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