Release of Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care Report

The final report, Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light, was presented in Parliament last week. The report is now available to read in full at: www.abuseincare.org.nz/reports/whanaketia

Please be aware that some of the content contains explicit descriptions of tūkino – abuse, harm and trauma – and may evoke strong responses for readers to keep in mind. We acknowledge and recognise the bravery and courage of the many survivors who shared their experiences. The treatment of people in New Zealand's state and faith-based care institutions is described as a 'national disgrace' after the landmark report revealed the harrowing scale of abuse 200,000 children and adults suffered at the hands of those entrusted with their safety. 

The Royal Commission will be making some printed copies available at the National Library and the National Archives shortly, at locations in both Wellington and Auckland. Click HerePrime Minister Christopher Luxon will be delivering a public apology at Parliament on 12 November 2024.

General Secretary Rev Tara Tautari expressed the Church's commitment to justice, compassion, and accountability.  The Methodist Church has been proactive in preparing for the release of the report by establishing a dedicated working group that will carefully review and analyse the report's findings and recommendations. The group's primary task will be to identify key areas of concern, systemic issues, and recommendations relevant to both the Methodist Church and Wesley College. 

The Church has been proactive with the implementation of the Safeguarding policy, which is a timely reminder of the Safeguarding recommendations in the report as it applies to all state and faith-based entities providing care directly or indirectly for children, young people and adults. 

The report makes 138 recommendations that can be accessed  CLICK HERE

Help and support services

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111. Or if you need to talk to someone else:

• Alcohol and Drug Helpline 0800 787 797 or online chat for people dealing with an alcohol or other drug problem; 10 am to 10 pm

·        Anxiety phone line 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)

·        Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions)

·        Family Services 211 Helpline 0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community-based health and social support services in your area.

·        HELP 0800 623 1700 preventing sexual abuse and supporting survivors 24/7.

·        Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)

·        Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse Aotearoa New Zealand Support services for male survivors of sexual abuse. Refer to website for the support organisation nearest to you.

·        Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor

·        OUTline NZ 0800 688 5463 (OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support for sexuality or gender identity issues; 9 am to 9 pm weekdays, and 6 pm to 8 pm weekends)

·        Rape Crisis 0800 883 300 (for support after rape or sexual assault)

·        Safe to talk (Available 24/7) 0800 044 334, free txt 4334, email support@safetotalk.nz, live webchat on www.safetotalk.nz. Free and confidential information and support from trained counsellors for people affected by sexual harm in any way.

·        Samaritans 0800 726 666.

·        Shine 0508 744 633, free to call from any phone in NZ, and taking calls 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Call for confidential support, information, advice and referrals.

·        Skylight, 0800 299 100 for trauma, loss and grief; 9am–5pm weekdays.

·        SNAP - Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests Providing peer support for women and men wounded by religious and institutional authorities

·        Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).

·        Supporting Families in Mental Illness For families and whānau supporting a loved one who has a mental illness. Auckland 0800 732 825. 

·        Victim Support This free service provides emotional and practical support, information, financial assistance, referral to other support services and advocacy for the rights of victims.

·        Wellington HELP 0800 FOR HELP supports anyone and everyone who has been impacted by sexual violence. Call anytime.

·        Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat

·        Information about making the Methodist Church resolution and redress process can be found here: https://www.methodist.org.nz/tangata/wellness-and-safety/breaking-the-silence-on-historical-abuse/
Or you can email the General Secretary or telephone 0800 CONNEX ext 824 (0800 266 639 ext 824), or use the online form.