13 Nov 2018

Abuse survivors encouraged to speak as inquiry scope widens

From Morning Report, 6:39 am on 13 November 2018

A sexual abuse survivor is encouraging old boys from his school who he knows were molested, to speak up at the Royal Commission. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday the government's inquiry into the abuse of children in state care will be widened to include religious institutions. Steve Goodlass could only watch in 2015 as the courts convicted his abuser, Marist Brother and teacher Patrick Bignell for crimes against three other boys. His own case could not be prosecuted, and he says the Church failed him in finding justice. He says his situation was looking 'really dire' until he heard the commission was being expanded.