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Royal Commission

Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care & in the Care of Faith-based Institutions
Royal Commission of Inquiry

Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care & in the Care of Faith-based Institutions

The Salvation Army is strongly committed to working with the Royal Commission into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of Faith-based Institutions. 

If you are a survivor of abuse or have questions regarding the Royal Commission and The Salvation Army, please email The Salvation Army's Royal Commission Response office. You can also phone our Territorial Headquarters in Wellington: (04) 384 5649 and ask for the Royal Commission Response Officer.  

For all media inquiries related to the Royal Commission, please contact our Territorial Media Officer, phone: 021 945 337. The Media Officer responds to enquiries from media outlets and journalists.

 


The Salvation Army is strongly committed to working with the Royal Commission

The Salvation Army is deeply sorry for the abuse inflicted on vulnerable children who were housed in Salvation Army children’s homes.

As these historical crimes have come to light—as people have courageously told their stories—we have had a policy of listening, saying sorry and making appropriate redress for their suffering. We have endeavoured to pursue a survivor-focused approach in our responses to people.

The Salvation Army has a zero-tolerance policy for any offending of this sort. We are committed to doing our utmost to ensure the protection of all those in our care, including children, young people and vulnerable people.

We are working with the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care to better understand the adequacy of our redress procedures in helping survivors.

Anyone who has experienced abuse through their connection with The Salvation Army can complain to The Salvation Army or, if a criminal matter, direct to the Police. People can also contact the Royal Commission on 0800 222 727 and speak confidentially.


Salvation Army Apology

The following statement was presented on behalf of Colonel Gerry Walker, Chief Secretary, at the Royal Commission Redress in Faith-Based Care Hearing on 10 December 2020

The Salvation Army is deeply sorry for the abuse inflicted on vulnerable children who were housed in Salvation Army children's homes.

We recognise the courage it takes for those testifying to revisit trauma that should never have happened to them. What these survivors experienced was unwarranted and horrific. This has caused lasting damage to them and their wider circle of relationships.

There is no excuse for what happened. The lives that these children deserved were stolen from them. It is offensive that this was allowed to happen within an organisation that exists to serve a God of love.

We recognise that words alone cannot heal what has been broken. We therefore want to assure survivors that The Salvation Army is fully committed to listening to them and learning from this Royal Commission and any recommendations it might make. This applies not only in relation to our redress processes, which is the focus of this stage of hearings, but also any other recommendations made so that we can best help those harmed while in our care in the past, and to ensure safety for all vulnerable people accessing our services today.


Key Contact Information


Frequently Asked Questions & Royal Commission Contact Info

The following information has been provided by the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care

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.

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.

Royal Commission - TSA Complaint Information

Type: PDF
Size: 274.78 KB
Date: 12 Jul 2021