Redress

Seeking Redress

The Anglican Church acknowledges that people have experienced abuse within our churches, ministries, schools, camps and other Anglican settings. We recognise the profound and often lifelong harm abuse can cause, and that too often the Church failed to respond as it should have when people disclosed that harm.

For both the abuse itself and our failures in responding, we are deeply sorry.

If you have experienced abuse in an Anglican setting, you are welcome to seek redress. We know that taking this step can require great courage. Our commitment is to listen, acknowledge the harm you have experienced, accept responsibility where the Church bears responsibility, and consider what redress may be appropriate.

How do I begin?

You can begin simply by contacting the Anglican Redress Service.

Email: contact@anglicanredress.nz
Freephone: 0800 769 004

There is no obligation to make a claim simply because you make an enquiry. You are welcome to ask questions and understand the process before deciding whether to proceed. You do not need to have all the details of your experience before making contact.

Your enquiry will be received by Kooyoora Limited, an independent organisation which receives and assesses redress claims on behalf of the Anglican Church.

What is redress?

Redress is about recognising the harm you have experienced and responding in ways that are meaningful to you.

Depending on your circumstances and wishes, this may include:

• acknowledgement of the harm you experienced;
• an apology;
• financial redress;
• counselling or other wellbeing support;
• pastoral or spiritual support, if you would welcome it; or
• other practical responses appropriate to your circumstances.

Every person’s experience and needs are different. We will seek to understand what matters most to you.

Our approach

We are committed to a process that is:

Survivor-centred and compassionate
You will be listened to without judgement and treated with dignity, kindness and respect.

Trauma-informed
We recognise that recounting experiences of abuse can be difficult and distressing. We will seek to minimise further harm and, wherever possible, allow you to proceed at your own pace.

Fair
Each claim is considered on its own circumstances. We recognise that abuse may have occurred many years ago and that records may be incomplete or no longer exist. We do not expect every aspect of a person’s experience to be capable of independent proof.

Independent and accountable
Kooyoora independently receives and assesses claims. Where financial redress is being considered, an independent assessor makes recommendations about the appropriate level of redress. Before you are asked to accept any offer, the Church will fund independent legal advice so that you can understand the offer and make an informed decision.

Timely
We will seek to progress your claim as promptly as possible while ensuring that it is considered carefully and fairly.

What happens next?

When you contact the Anglican Redress Service, Kooyoora will explain the process, listen to your experience and discuss what information may be needed. You will be kept informed as your claim progresses and will have the opportunity to discuss what forms of redress may be meaningful for you.

You are welcome to have a family member, friend, advocate, lawyer or other support person involved at any stage.

If your claim concerns an Anglican organisation with its own separate redress scheme, Kooyoora will help you identify the appropriate person or service to contact.

Once Kooyoora has completed its assessment, it will provide a report to the Anglican Church, together with any recommendation from the independent assessor about financial redress. The Church will then decide what redress it can offer. Kooyoora will discuss the proposed outcome with you and you will have time, and access to independent legal advice, before deciding whether to accept it.

Is this the same as making a complaint?

No. Seeking redress is separate from making a complaint or participating in the Church’s disciplinary processes.

You may seek redress whether or not you choose to make a complaint. If you also wish to explore making a complaint about the conduct of clergy or church workers, we can explain the separate processes available.

Privacy and support

Information about your claim will only be shared with those who need it in order to assess and respond to your claim. Kooyoora will explain how your information will be used.

You may pause the process if you need to, and Kooyoora can assist you to identify other support that may be available to you.

Our commitment to you

We recognise that redress cannot undo the harm caused by abuse. What we can do is listen carefully, respond honestly, acknowledge harm and responsibility where they are established, and treat you with dignity and compassion throughout the process.

Our hope is that those who seek redress experience a process that is respectful, transparent and fair.

If you have questions, or simply want to understand your options before deciding whether to proceed, please contact the Anglican Redress Service:

Email: contact@anglicanredress.nz
Freephone: 0800 769 004