Sonja Cooper
Allegations of violence at youth justice facilities
Allegations of fightclubs, bullying and assaults on youth by staff at a youth justice residence have emerged in a report by the Children's Commissioner. Sonja Cooper, a lawyer specialising in cases… Audio
State abuse claim lodged with Waitangi Tribunal
Survivors of abuse in state care have lodged a claim with the Waitangi Tribunal alleging Maori children were singled out to be placed in institutions, where they were abused. Audio
Lawyer appalled abuse victims being penalised
People paid compensation for abuse suffered while in state care are being told their welfare payments could be docked as a consequence. Lawyer Sonja Cooper says the state is giving with one hand and… Audio
Why is NZ still sending children to prison?
Last week Queensland became the last remaining Australian State to include 17 year olds in the youth justice system, leaving New Zealand among the few countries that send youths to prison. Kathryn… Audio
Renewed criticism of govt handling of historic abuse cases
A lawyer who has been representing the survivors of state care abuse for two decades, Sonja Cooper, says an independent body needs to be looking into the abuse claims, not the government department… Audio
Breach puts freeze on historic abuse claims contact
A freeze has been put on officials contacting people about historic abuse claims while a privacy breach is investigated. Audio
Fast-track for abuse victims fails to impress lawyer
The lawyer for hundreds of victims of historical abuse in state care says a new fast-track process to deal with claims is underfunded and deeply flawed. Audio
Call for independent tribunal for abuse victims in state care
Advocates for victims of abuse while in state care say delays of up to 15 years in resolving historic claims are unacceptable, and they're calling for an independent Tribunal to be established. Judge… Audio
Former Kelston School for the Deaf pupils claim abused
A group of former pupils from an Auckland school for the deaf, want an apology and compensation for the abuse and beatings they say they endured decades ago. Audio
Porirua hospital patients sue government
The Supreme Court has ruled that a group of 6 former Porirua Hospital patients can now sue the Government for compensation. Audio
Legal aid difficulties
It's being claimed lawyers may be reluctant to take cases ln legal aid after an important new ruling on the issue. Audio
Changes to Legal Aid Application
Some civil litigation lawyers are raising questions over changes to the way they apply for legal aid funding. Audio
A New Confidential Listening and Assistance Service
Sonja Cooper represents 600 people who say they were abused as children in state-run institutions. Audio
