Care violence report submitted to Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro

The final report and recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care have been submitted to the Governor-General.

The investigation was initiated in 2018.

More than 1,700 people registered with the Royal Commission as survivors of violence under state and faith-based care between 1950 and 2000.

It is estimated that between 1950 and 2019, between 113,757 and 255,646 people were victims of violence in care facilities.

It’s called the 2,500-page report Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to lightthe name was chosen by a survivor advisory group as part of the investigation.

It contains 16 volumes covering the context of what happened, why it happened, specific case studies, survivors’ experiences and recommendations for the future.

The investigation led to significant findings that abuse and neglect are common in many places and perpetrators operate with impunity, commissioners said.

“For survivors and your whānau, communities, supporters and supporters: Whanaketia is your report. It is based on your experiences, your voices and your journeys. You have been heard,” the commissioners, Judge Coral Shaw (Chair), Anaru Erueti and Paul Gibson said in a joint statement.

“We recognize that this has been a long and difficult journey and the effects of abuse and neglect continue to harm you. We also pay our respects to the many people who died waiting for action.

“Meaningful action must start now. For too long, our nation has swept abuse and neglect of care by state and religious institutions under the rug. It’s not enough. This has to end.”

They argue that institutions and senior leaders must be held accountable and “mistakes must be corrected.”

“Care must be safe, and whānau and communities must be invested in and strengthened to deliver care.

“Aotearoa New Zealand, now is the time for us to stand up for what is right, remain committed to standing up to bad behavior and ensuring that those who have experienced abuse and neglect have what they need to heal and thrive. We must ensure that abuse and neglect in care does not continue.”

They said it was a difficult time for many.

“Many diverse communities have formed around the Royal Commission and as this part of the journey comes to an end, we urge you to remain strong and brave. Please continue to support each other as your individual and collective journeys echo in the motu.”

Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro will submit a report to Home Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden.

The government will then publish the final report and recommendations, presenting them to parliament.

This week, Parliament sits on Wednesday and Thursday, followed by a three-week break.

The report is expected to be submitted the week of July 22.