New Zealand’s Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care has released a damning report detailing widespread abuse suffered by around 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults over seven decades.
The inquiry, which concluded after six years of investigations, uncovered a “national disgrace,” revealing that nearly one in three individuals placed in state or religious care between 1950 and 2019 experienced abuse.
The comprehensive report, made public on Wednesday, describes the abuse as “commonplace,” with survivors subjected to sexual exploitation, physical violence, and neglect. The inquiry documented instances of sexual abuse where victims were groomed and, in some cases, trafficked to members of the public. Physical abuse was also pervasive, with some caregivers using extreme methods such as weapons and electric shocks to inflict pain.
The abuse often began on the first day a person entered care and frequently continued throughout their stay. The report highlights that Māori and Pacific Islander individuals were disproportionately targeted, facing not only abuse but also systemic barriers to engaging with their cultural heritage.
The commission spoke to over 2,300 survivors and has made more than 130 recommendations. These include legislative changes aimed at improving accountability for abusers and the creation of a Ministry for Care to oversee the implementation of reforms.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the report as marking a “dark and sorrowful day” for the country. He emphasized the need to confront these hard truths to move forward and pledged that the government would address the recommendations and issue a formal apology to survivors in November.
Luxon expressed gratitude to the survivors for their bravery and commitment to ensuring that future generations are cared for in a manner that fosters their growth and well-being.
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