Your voice will make a difference in shining a light on abuse and neglect and contributing to a better future for state and faith-based care in New Zealand. Read further for more information.

Have you experienced or do you have information about abuse in faith-based institutions such as a church or religious school between 1950-1999?

Our Faith-based Redress Hearing will run from Monday 23 November to Friday 11 December 2020.

This hearing will focus on the redress processes of the Catholic Church, Anglican Church and the Salvation Army. If you have made a claim about abuse in any of these institutions, The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry would like to hear from you by 21 June 2020 so we can ensure your story is heard.

If you have experienced abuse in other faith-based denominations or institutions (such as a church or religious school), and would like to add your voice to the Royal Commission’s investigation of abuse in Faith-based institutions and redress processes, please contact 0800 222 727 or email solicitorassisting@abuseincare.org.nz or write to us at:

Royal Commission of Inquiry

PO Box 10071

The Terrace, Wellington 6143.

The Royal Commission has rescheduled its hearing dates for the Redress Hearing (both state and faith based) due to COVID-19.

The new dates are:

State Redress Phase 1: Monday 21 September to Tuesday 6 October 2020

State Redress Phase 2: Monday 19 October to Tuesday 3 November 2020

Faith-Based Redress: Monday 23 November to Friday 11 December2020

Frequently asked Questions

Why do we want to hear from you?

The Royal Commission under its Terms of Reference is considering the adequacy of redress and what needs to be done to support people who have been abused or neglected in Faith-based (or State) institutions. Hearing from people who experienced abuse and neglect in institutions will help us to build a picture of what happened to those who made allegations or complaints or took civil proceedings relating to having been abused in Faith-based care.

Who do we want to hear from?

We want to hear from survivors and others who have been involved in making claims of abuse while in Faith-based care. This could be complaints directly to a Church or a Faith-based Institution, or by filing civil proceedings in Court or the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

We also want to hear from victims about their experience in seeking and receiving redress or justice. This could be monetary or non-monetary processes. We welcome hearing from other people who might have information to share about a claim of abuse in Faith-based care including family or whānau of the claimant, a legal representative or advocate.

If you have been involved in claims relating to the Catholic Church, Anglican Church or Salvation Army, and would be interested in being considered by the Royal Commission to give evidence at a public hearing into Faith-based redress, we would also like to hear from you by 21 June 2020.

Will support be available?

Yes. If you register with the Royal Commission, wellbeing and legal support can be provided, if you need it. Further information is provided at: https://www.abuseincare.org.nz/survivors/register/ and through our Contact Centre.

Can I be heard if I experienced abuse in a State-based institution?

Survivor witnesses have already been briefed for the State redress public hearings. We still welcome hearing from you if you would like to share information about seeking redress for abuse or neglect in State care and invite you to register for a private session or provide a written account. Further information https://www.abuseincare.org.nz/survivors/how-to-get-involved/

If you need further information about the Royal Commission, please contact 0800 222 727 or email contact@abuseincare.org.nz or write to:

Royal Commission of Inquiry

PO Box 10071

The Terrace, Wellington 6143