The Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry yesterday released a new study that estimates up to 250,000 children, young people and vulnerable adults were abused in State and/or faith-based care between 1950-2019.

The study estimates they were part of a cohort of up to 655,000 children, young people and vulnerable adults in State and faith-based care during that period.

Most people in care were in either faith-based and Social welfare settings with an estimated 254,000 people in each setting (each 31% of total); followed by Health and disability settings at 212,000 people (26%); and Education care settings at 102,000 people (12%).

We’re joined now on Pacific Breakfast by the Commissioner for the Royal Commission of Inquiry: Abuse in Care, Aliʻimuamua Sandra Alofivae, for more. 

Ali’imuamua, has practiced as a lawyer in the Auckland region for the last 20 years representing children, young persons and their families. She grew up in Mangere and has strong ties to the local community through her work in the voluntary sector. 

Sandra was appointed to the Counties Manukau District Health Board in December 2010 following a six year term as a Commissioner with the Families Commission.

In 2016 she was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to the Pacific community and to youth.  In 1995 she was also bestowed the title of Ali’imuamua title by her family in the village of Sa'anapu, Samoa.

For more information please phone 0800 222 727 or email: contact@abuseincare.org.nz