DPA's response to final report on Inquiry into Abuse in Care

DPA -

Our National Executive Committee (NEC) has released a response final report of the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care.

Disabled Persons Assembly urges Government to implement recommendations of Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care 
 
After the final report of the Royal Commission Inquiry into Abuse in Care was released, disabled communities are still grappling with its harrowing findings. Though some time has now passed since the report was tabled in Parliament, Disabled Persons Assembly (DPA) and its National Executive Committee stand united in urging the government to implement all 138 recommendations from the report. 
 
The report, comprising 16 volumes, uncovers the devastating abuse many disabled people, particularly Māori and Pasifika, experienced in State and Faith-Based care. This report is a testament to the courage of those who gave evidence, including some of our DPA members. We acknowledge and commend their bravery in sharing their stories. 
 
However, an apology alone is insufficient without immediate and comprehensive action. Real systemic change is needed to address the persistent breaches of disability rights, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the duty of care revealed by the report. The apology must be accompanied by redress and a firm commitment to implement the recommendations without delay. 
 
We must recognise that ableism, alongside other systemic issues such as a lack of disability rights, inadequate whānau support, and disregard for Te Tiriti, contributed to this tragic history. The abuse detailed in the report is not only a historical issue; similar patterns of discrimination and neglect persist today. This is evident in current government policies like boot camps, which the Minister of Children has admitted, cannot guarantee freedom from abuse. 
 
DPA has grave concerns about the state of ableism in Aotearoa. We call on the government to review and amend policies that contradict the recommendations of the inquiry, including those concerning Oranga Tamariki guidance and the erosion of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We demand accountability from the government and insist that they follow through with the recommendations of the Royal Commission. We will continue to advocate for the rights of disabled people and their families, striving for systemic change that ensures equity and inclusion in Aotearoa. 
 
Disabled people should never have had to endure such abuse. We must ensure that these injustices are not repeated. The government must take immediate, concrete steps to uphold its national and international commitments to disability rights and provide the necessary resources to empower the disabled community to take charge of their own care and autonomy. 
 
We welcome the Prime Minister's acknowledgment of the abuse and the planned public apology on 12 November 2024. However, we stress that this apology must be more than a political gesture. It must be accompanied by swift action on redress and implementation of all recommendations. 
 
The DPA will continue to advocate, speak up, and occupy spaces to ensure the voices of disabled people are heard. The courage of those who shared their experiences with the Royal Commission must inspire us to stand against injustice and challenge the ableism that permeates our society. 
 
We call for a future where disabled people are valued, where their rights are respected, and where they can live with dignity and inclusion. The findings of this inquiry highlight the urgent need for intersectional approaches that recognize how ableism intersects with other forms of discrimination and oppression. We will persist in our mission to challenge ableism and change the narrative around disability in Aotearoa. 
 
The time for action is now. The government must not delay in delivering justice and ensuring that such abuses never happen again. 
 
Joanne Dacombe (she/her)
President Disabled Persons Assembly

Abuse in Care report 

Alternate formats of the summaries to date are: 

NZSL and Easy Read are currently being translated. 

Summaries are also available of survivor’s experiences including, disabled people, Deaf, Māori, Pacific, Takatāpui, Rainbow, and MVPFAFF+, women and girls, and survivors from faith-based care and mental health care settings. 

Read the report and the summaries: Whanaketia – Through pain and trauma, from darkness to light, Abuse in Care – Royal Commission of Inquiry 

Accessing support 

We understand that this report and the media coverage is particularly hard to hear, and that whilst the report and its recommendations are welcome, this may also be traumatising for survivors of abuse and neglect and their families, whānau and friends.

As part of the disability community, you may also be finding it difficult to find out about the abuse, harm and trauma that has affected our community so deeply. 

For support services, including crisis service, 24/7 helplines, and helplines for specific issues, see Support Services, Survivor Experiences Service. 

The Survivor Experiences Service aims to provide a safe, supportive, confidential place where survivors of abuse in care, and their whānau, can share their experiences. 

If you are experiencing abuse and neglect, or are concerned about a disabled person being abused or neglected, you can find information on who to contact on the Help and support for violence, abuse or neglect, Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People

Kā mihi aroha kia koutou katoa – with care and solidarity