MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE

ASSOCIATION OF BLIND CITIZENS OF NEW ZEALAND

Amid Allegations Of Child Abuse, Safety Of Blind Children Is Paramount

For Immediate Release

The Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand calls upon the Associate Minister of Education (Special Needs), Hon Lianne Dalziel and the Police Complaints Authority to further investigate allegations of child abuse at Homai National School for the Blind and Vision Impaired.

Mrs Carolyn Weston National President of the Association said “the safety of all children in educational settings is sacrosanct. The Association advocates a zero-tolerance policy for any abusive behaviour towards children and such should be the case at Homai, where it is alleged a totally blind four year old child (also developmentally disabled) was abused by a teacher.”

Despite police advising the parents of the child that an assault had taken place, no charges have been laid.

“In view of police findings, Homai must do more to ensure children placed under its supervision are not at risk; unequivocally, we would expect anyone found guilty of abusing a defenceless child to be censured and removed from the school setting” said Mrs Weston.

The Association offers its support to the parents and child subjected to this regrettable behaviour.

Ends