New Zealand Inquiry Finds Over 200,000 Abused in State and Religious Care

A royal commission of inquiry in New Zealand has found that nearly one-third of individuals in state and religious care between 1950 and 2019 experienced abuse. The report estimates that around 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults were abused over the span of seven decades. Sexual abuse was described as "commonplace" with abusers often grooming those in their care, while physical abuse was also prevalent across all settings. The inquiry, which is the largest and most complex royal commission to date, had a wide scope and cost around NZ$170 million. Many of those affected come from disadvantaged or marginalized communities, including Māori and Pacific people. An official apology is expected to be made on November 12, following the release of the report's findings. The inquiry has called for the government to establish a Care Safe Agency to prevent similar abuses in the future.