Dilworth School abuse survivors petition for mandatory reporting law

Survivors of abuse at Auckland's Dilworth School have presented a petition calling for mandatory reporting of abuse at the royal commission inquiry today.

Among them was Neil Harding, who said survivors wanted the proposed legislation called the Dilworth Law.

"The petition is asking the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry to recommend to the New Zealand Government the implementation of the Dilworth Law," Harding said.

"This law would require a person or entity to report to police if a child or young person is at risk of a significant harm. The child or young person has been or is at risk of being physically or sexually abused or ill treated."

The law already existed in New South Wales, he said.

"We were astounded to learn that in New Zealand there is currently no such law.

"If this law had existed and being followed when we were at Dilworth, most of us would never have been sexually abused."

It would help survivors to know that institutions like Dilworth School could never be allowed to cover up abuse again, Harding said.

The petition was accepted by inquiry chairperson Coral Shaw.

"On behalf of the commissioners, I accept the petition and I assure the survivors that we will certainly take it into a deep consideration."

Harding said it used to be assumed that institutions like schools and churches obeyed the law and therefore their leaders could do no wrong, but that was not true.

"We have since discovered that Dilworth School chose to participate in an enormous wrong against children," he said.

"They chose to cover-up the vilest of sexual abuse. Over 30 paedophiles abused hundreds of boys over a 40-year period.

"It seemed the reputation of their organisation was more important than the welfare of the boys in their care and contradiction to the moral values the school was supposed to reflect and live by."

The survivors' mission, which would help in their healing, was to prevent any further harm by institutions towards children, he said.

"We experienced, as well as the loss of our innocence, the unravelling of many of the lives of either ourselves or our classmates and friends. We experienced the devastating news of the suicide of many of our brothers.

"Trauma and the loss of innocence endured by children contributes to many of the issues facing our society, especially as they enter adulthood."

Harm 'immeasurable'

While giving evidence at the inquiry, Dilworth Trust Board chair Aaron Snodgrass apologised to all former students who were abused at the school over the years.

Eleven former staff have been convicted on historical sexual abuse charges.

Snodgrass said the harm suffered by old boy survivors was immeasurable.

"I apologise to all old boys who suffered abuse while a student at our school, however that abuse occurred. It was not your fault. It was your school that failed to protect you."

He could not explain how the abuse was able to occur, but said it was now clear the school did not meet its responsibilities.

"I have been heartbroken to learn of the experience and suffering."

As part of a redress programme now underway, Dilworth would be making personal apologies to many survivors in a way that responded to their particular experience and in a manner in which they wish that apology to be delivered, he said.

The Dilworth Trust Board launched an independent inquiry into abuse in the school, earlier this year, headed by Dame Silvia Carthwright and Frances Joychild KC.

The school is an independent body but in close association with the Anglican Church.

The Anglican Bishop of Auckland acts as episcopal visitor to the school, which involves an annual visit.

The current Bishop, Ross Bay, told the Royal Commission the survivors of abuse at Dilworth did not receive the genuine care to which they were entitled.

"This failure has been compounded by our lack of responsiveness over the years to people who came forward to report abuse and to seek redress," Bay said.

"I apologise for that and I reiterate the Church's commitment to enter into processes of redress with survivors in good-faith."

He wanted to apologise to survivors of abuse at Dilworth School.

"This was a school that was meant to offer hope and stability for boys coming from vulnerable situations. Instead, advantage was taken of that vulnerability by various members of the staff."

Among those who abused students at the school were two Anglican Chaplains.

''The Church recognises its responsibility for these people who were the Church's direct representatives on the staff," Bay said.

"You should have been able to expect that they, more than others, would be role-models for genuine care and compassion.

"I apologise deeply for their actions and acknowledge the shame that the Church bares as a result."

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