PSD Desk
Are you shocked and dismayed at the very high levels of abuse in Aotearoa New Zealand, as revealed by the recent Royal Commission’s findings?
It found that some 200,000 children, young people and vulnerable adults were abused in state and religious care over the last 70 years but acknowledged that the actual figures are likely to be much higher.
The report lists 138 recommendations to help New Zealanders address this huge and disturbing issue. These include:
- a public apology to be made on November 12th, 2024.
- a Puretumu Torowhanui (Redress) Scheme is to be implemented as soon as possible. This s not to provide compensation – for how could this ever be adequately done – but to recognise the devastation such abuse has brought to individuals, their whanau, and New Zealand society as a whole.
- the creation of a new independent safeguarding agency and new safeguarding laws,
- having consistent and comprehensive rules and standards, with real sanctions and penalties in law, to hold people and organisations to account.
Central to the guidance and implementation of the Recommendation is the establishment of 12 Care Safety Principles.
All recommendations will focus on the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults, not just children.
While the 138 Royal Commission recommendations are not yet legislated, they do provide a clear and unmistakable indication of the direction legislation is likely to take in the wake of the RC. All organisations within the NZ community, including LCNZ congregations will need to “step up” to meet an increased level of care and protection.
The good news for LCNZ congregations is that there are already many Safe Church practices taught and expected across our church which will help us meet the requirements. As long as we conscientiously and consistently implement LCA Safe Church practices, “stepping up” should be relatively easy!
May our LCNZ congregations lead the way in embracing and practicing the Royal Commission recommendations within our communities, so that our ministries demonstrate love for all in practical and tangible ways.
Denise Muschamp
PS Officer for Victoria and New Zealand
August 2024
