The final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care  is being released to the public. The Sisters of Compassion Group and wider Compassion whānau acknowledge the work carried out by the Commissioners and the courage and strength of survivors in sharing their experiences.

Today, the final report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse is being tabled in Parliament and released to the public. The Royal Commission has worked for more than six years to investigate accounts of abuse in care in Aotearoa New Zealand, including Catholic institutions.

The Sisters of Compassion Group and wider Compassion whānau acknowledge the abuse of children and vulnerable adults that has taken place in Catholic institutions, including care institutions run in the past by the Sisters of Compassion.  We affirm the work carried out by the Royal Commission to bring these matters to light and the courage and strength of survivors in sharing their experiences.

There is no place for abuse of any kind in our places of work and service and we are committed to continuing to strengthen and improve our practices and policies to ensure those who visit, volunteer and work with us are safe in our spaces.

For any queries, concerns, or comments regarding the work of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care or related matters, please contact communications@nzcbc.org.nz.

We endorse and affirm the statement issued by the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference and the Congregational Leaders’ Conference Aotearoa New Zealand available here.