Abuse in care inquiry: Less than a year at one state facility felt like an eternity
Wednesday, 5 May 2021
CONTENT WARNING: A man says he was raped more than 200 times by other boys in less than a year at a state-run boys home.
Toni Jarvis, 59, is one of 16 survivors giving evidence to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse in care over the next two weeks at public hearings in Auckland.
He spent time in multiple institutions, including Cherry Farm in Dunedin, Hokio Beach School in Horowhenua, and a family home in Levin.
He told the Commission how his adoptive father in Invercargill would beat him, until his school principal notified Social Welfare.
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Jarvis was put in various placements before moving to Cherry Farm in Dunedin at age 9, an adult psychiatric facility.
He was thrown into a communal room on the first day, where a man shuffled towards him, with his pyjamas around his ankles, eating faeces from his hands.
Jarvis said the man rubbed it in his face, and screamed. Another patient was masturbating and ejaculated on him.
Staff medicated Jarvis regularly with antipsychotic drugs, despite there having been no mental health diagnosis.
He was sexually abused by other patients, often when he went to the toilet.
Jarvis was transferred to Hokio Beach School in Horowhenua. He was there less than a year, but said it felt like an eternity.
The abuse was opportunistic during the day, and routine at night in between the night watchman’s checks.He was often raped four to five times a night by different boys.
Jarvis initially fought back, but that hurt more. He learnt to relax to make it easier for them to abuse him so he could survive.
“I got a lot of hidings while at Hokio from older boys, but it was nothing compared to the rape. I had already been conditioned by my father for the hidings.”
He was then sent to the Awatea Street Family Home in Levin, which was initially a good experience.
But after six months his main abuser from Hokio Beach School also moved in and his life “turned to hell again”.
“I had to scope hallways, sprint to the kitchen, so I didn’t pass him, and stay in the living areas as I was safe there.”
Abuse, from staff and fellow boys, continued at Holdsworth Boys’ Home in Whanganui, and Invercargill Borstal, where he was sent for stealing cars.
Jarvis said state care affected his mental health, and his ability to get a job. He depended on alcohol to cope.
He now has diverticulitis – an infection of the intestines – bowel issues and obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung diseases from being forced to smoke cigarettes.
Jarvis had taken a claim against the social welfare agencies, and received a total of $38,000.
He would like an apology from the Crown, as an admission of fault and a starting point for moving forward. Monetary compensation should follow.
“I believe it is time for the state to be honest, stop the lies and deceit. I’ve spent 44 years of my life looking for justice and answers. The state has robbed both me and my children of a life.”
Where to get help
Rape Crisis - 0800 88 33 00 (Will direct you to a nearby centre), follow link for information on local helplines
Victim Support - 0800 842 846 (24hr service)
The Harbour, online support and information for those affected by harmful sexual behaviour
Women’s Refuge (For women and children) - crisis line available on 0800 733 843
Safe to talk - 0800 044 334, text 4334 or web chat
Male Survivors Aotearoa (For men) - follow link for regional helplines
If you or someone else is in immediate danger call 111.