The Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse in care is investigating abuse that occurred in state children’s residential homes, psychiatric and disability care, and in the care of the Catholic and Anglican Churches.
It is believed survivors based in Dunedin have been interviewed in recent weeks.
A commission spokesman said it expected to conduct between 15 and 20 investigations over the course of the inquiry.
"As well as many churches and faith-based care settings, there were a number of children’s residential homes, family homes, disability care providers and psychiatric hospitals in Dunedin.
"Hearing from survivors who suffered abuse or neglect in these care settings is a crucial part of our investigations. We have held numerous private sessions with Otago abuse survivors and expect to hear from many more."
Last year, in response to Otago Daily Times questions, an inquiry spokeswoman confirmed the commission’s ability to refer alleged abuses to police would be limited to offenders who were still alive.
That meant the actions of some Dunedin offenders who had since died without facing justice, such as Catholic school teacher Ian Thompson or Christian Brother Desmond Fay, might not be put before police as a result of the inquiry.
Nor would the actions of then-Catholic Bishop of Dunedin John Kavanagh, during whose tenure there was significant sexual offending by priests and religious brothers within the diocese.
Survivors were encouraged to contact the commission to have their experience included.
Need help?
Need to talk? 1737, free 24/7 phone and text number
Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800543-354
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508828-865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Male Survivors Otago, 4258018
Women’s Refuge: 0800REFUGE or 0800733-843
Shakti: for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children. 0800742-584
Rape Crisis: 0800883-300
