Strong Voices

On October 23, Chief Executive Andrew Crisp apologised on behalf of IHC to people who experienced abuse and neglect in disability services. The apology was in response to the findings of the Abuse in Care Royal Commission of Inquiry: 1950-1999, which IHC called for and supported.  

The Commission found that many people who should have been supported and protected by disability services were harmed. IHC’s apology acknowledged that our organisation was a part of the system that allowed abuse to occur historically.

Despite a red-weather warning across the country, the apology went ahead as planned, with an audience of IHC  members, Chief Executive’s Advisory Group members, and staff. Other guests sent apologies as they were unable to travel due to the weather, but IHC later shared the apology directly with people in services and their families and whānau.

IHC staff also spoke directly with people in our services and their families and whānau to share the apology, answer questions, and help people find more support or information.

Andrew said the apology was an important step in acknowledging the past, recognising the courage of survivors who shared their stories, and committing to a safer future.  He also shared a significant step that IHC had taken to recognise its most vulnerable group of people.

“Following the Inquiry, we took time to think about what we could do that is tangible for people who are currently in our residential disability services and who were in those services during the Inquiry period,” he said.

“Many people in that group cannot speak up for themselves or have not had someone to speak up with or for them. So, we decided to offer everyone in that residential service group, who was with IHC since the Inquiry period, a payment.”

The payments of $2500 per person, totalling approximately $3 million, recognise the difficulties faced by this group of people in sharing their experiences. The payment does not prevent people from coming forward to share their experiences, engage with IHC, or enter a restorative process. IHC has encouraged people to come forward if they are considering it and has set up a dedicated engagement team to support people through that process.  

Soon after IHC’s apology, the first anniversary of the Government’s apology to survivors of abuse in state care was remembered with a Day of Reflection on 12 November.

IHC encouraged staff and the community to attend public events around the country led by survivor and community groups.

Andrew’s apology on behalf of IHC finished with the words: “I want to reiterate our deepest apologies to all survivors. We remain profoundly sorry and committed to making better, safer disability services”.    

The apology can be watched, listened to or read in full or easy read versions at: www.ihc.org.nz/apology

IHC has made major improvements over the past 25 years to make sure people with intellectual disabilities are safe, respected and supported to live good lives. Some of those significant initiatives can also be found via the website link above.

Caption: IHC Chief Executive, Andrew Crisp delivering IHC’s apology.

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