By Lucy Craymer
Childhood should be a time of innocence and joy, but for Moeapulu Frances Tagaloa, it was marred by unspeakable abuse. From the age of five to seven, she was repeatedly abused by a trusted Catholic brother who taught at a school near her own in Auckland, New Zealand. Despite his popularity, he was a predator, preying on young girls like Tagaloa in the 1970s.
It wasn’t until she was an adult that Tagaloa began to remember the trauma she had endured. The flashbacks were terrifying, but she found the strength to confront her past. She was one of over 2,300 survivors who bravely spoke out in a New Zealand inquiry into abuse in state and church care spanning from 1950 to 2019.
As the over 3,000-page report from the inquiry was presented in parliament, it shed light on the harrowing experiences of survivors like Tagaloa. The report contained 138 recommendations, including calls for public apologies from the government and the heads of the Catholic and Anglican churches.
Tagaloa hopes that these recommendations will be implemented to protect the vulnerable and prevent future abuse. She believes that acknowledging the past is crucial for creating a safer environment for children and survivors alike.
The report revealed atrocities committed against survivors, including rape, sterilization, and physical and emotional torture in state and faith-based care institutions. The Indigenous Maori community and individuals with disabilities were found to be especially vulnerable to abuse.
Survivors like Anna Thompson and Jesse Kett shared their horrifying stories of abuse, shedding light on the lasting impact it had on their lives. Many suffered from PTSD, anxiety, depression, and turned to substance abuse and violence as coping mechanisms.
Despite the trauma they endured, survivors like Tagaloa are now working to support and advocate for others. Tagaloa’s involvement in survivor advisory roles and services demonstrates her resilience and determination to make a difference.
The report’s recommendations aim to transform care for vulnerable populations and ensure a safe future for children. Tagaloa sees this as a crucial step towards healing and justice for survivors, paving the way for a brighter and safer future.