AUSTRALIA
SBS
Source: AAP
24 APR 2015
THE EXPERIENCES OF CHILDREN AT THE NEERKOL ORPHANAGE AS TOLD BY FORMER RESIDENTS AT THE CHILD ABUSE ROYAL COMMISSION:
* A 67-year-old woman said she was sexually abused and raped more than 100 times from age 11 by priest Reginald Durham, who forced her to confess her “sins” and gave her absolution.
* Children who ran away were publicly flogged with whips as an example to others.
* Girls were forced to eat “ant sandwiches” under supervision to ensure compliance.
* Altar boys were routinely raped by a priest during Latin lessons.
* Bed-wetters had to stand with the toilet sheet draped over their heads during breakfast.
* Alternatively they were locked in storerooms or cupboards without food or water for up to a day.
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