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https://theconversation.com/despite-the-national-apology-abuse-in-state-care-is-still-happening-only-systemic-change-will-work-241565>
"Today marks a long-awaited milestone for survivors of the state care system,
with the formal apology by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledging the
catastrophic abuse endured by at least 250,000 people at the hands of state and
faith-based institutions between 1950 and 1999.
Luxon acknowledged the “horrific” and “heartbreaking” abuse experienced by
survivors and their whānau, and emphasised their stories have been heard and
believed.
The apology comes in response to the final report of the Royal Commission of
Inquiry into Abuse in State Care – “Whanaketia – Through pain and trauma, from
darkness to light” – which was tabled in Parliament in July.
The culmination of a six-year process, the report revealed the staggering
individual and social toll of abuse in care, with the average lifetime cost for
an individual estimated at NZ$857,000, accounting for health care,
homelessness, loss of income and education.
The report also highlighted longstanding systemic racism, with Māori and
Pasifika children more likely to be removed from their families and abused in
care.
Many survivors continue to live with the intergenerational impacts of
institutional trauma, some ending up in the prison system, homeless, or with
chronic illnesses or addiction problems. Others have died by suicide without
receiving justice.
The report received international attention, with the Royal Commission
describing its findings as a “national disgrace” and a “stain on our national
character”. But, importantly, it also emphasised that most of the factors which
led to abuse in state care persist to this day."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
