Abuse in Care final report
The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry has released its final report – Whanaketia – through pain and trauma, from darkness to light.
The report is the result of the largest and most complex Royal Commission public inquiry ever held in New Zealand. The Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha is aware of the impact that the release of this report will have on everyone in the community.
Paula Tesoriero, Chief Executive of the Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha acknowledges the involvement of the many disabled people and their whānau, who engaged with the Royal Commission:
“Disabled people, tāngata whaikaha Māori, Deaf and Turi Māori have been a significant focus of the Inquiry. This is testament to the courage of survivors from our communities who have shared their experiences with the Royal Commission.
I want to acknowledge everyone who engaged with the Inquiry and thank them for their contributions to a profound report that will help us acknowledge the trauma of the past, make changes and ensure people are not abused or neglected whilst in care.
I also want to acknowledge that there are survivors whose stories we will never hear, because they passed before they had the opportunity to have their stories heard or the challenge of sharing their trauma with the Royal Commission was too much.
The Ministry will work with our colleagues from across government agencies to understand the report and the recommendations. This is a large report, and it is important that we give it the time it deserves.
The learnings and experiences shared throughout the Inquiry are already guiding our work. This includes our commitment to strengthening our Quality and Safeguarding work.
I want to give my assurance, that for many years to come, this report will continue to influence our work. I want to end by again thanking the survivors. Your stories will have an ever-lasting impact on our country.”
The report can be found on the Royal Commission’s website.
The Inquiry are working on making a full suite of alternative formats available. The translators are currently working on an Easy Read and NZ Sign Language format and these will be uploaded as soon as they are completed.
Much of the content presented in the report contains explicit descriptions of tūkino - abuse, harm and trauma - and may raise difficult emotional responses for readers.
If you or someone in your close circle needs support, help is available.
- Information on services that offer free support, information and help can be found here: Support available | Crown response to the Abuse in Care Inquiry external URL
- If you are concerned about a disabled person being abused or neglected, you can find information on who to contact here: Help and support for violence, abuse or neglect