Abuse was often hereditary, the inquiry found, with family memories of war or Nazi crimes often at the root of abuse generations later.
Some 83 percent of the victims it identified were female and more than half had suffered abuse within their family. Almost half were less than six when the abuse began.
The inquiry was originally intended to run for three years but has had its mandate extended to investigate other areas and come up with more concrete proposals for remedies. "For people like me who had to experience sexual abuse as children, the work of the commission gives us hope," said Hjoerdis Wirth, a member of a victims' advisory board."Finally to be noticed, to have the effects on our lives acknowledged."
For many victims the inquiry was a chance to address decades-old pain, as was the case with"Andreas" , who was abused by his swimming instructor. "I've never swam since then, even though it was my favourite thing," he wrote."But the worst thing is that years of my childhood are missing. I know what he did back then, but I can't remember the two years before and after. I don't remember the good things."
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Let the music play: Streaming helps boost 2018 music industry salesThe streaming sector, which includes subscription fees and advertising income, grew by 34% to reach $8.9 billion in 2018.
Read more »
Heita, I'm a cop, let me rob youSecurity guards and cashiers were tied up with cable ties.
Read more »
Dineo Ranaka won't let haters of her DJ career get her downDineo Ranaka is gatvol of the hate that has been thrown her way ever since she's ventured into DJing and she has a stern message for haters.
Read more »
AfriForum says it won’t let Malema get away with ‘racist’ utterancesThe lobby group says it will oppose the SAHRC ruling on the hate speech complaints against the EFF leader.
Read more »
Volkswagen says it's responsible for 2% of global CO2 emissionsThe German car giant has been struggling to restore its reputation since the 2015 'Dieselgate' scandal.
Read more »
For first time in 100 years, rabbis will join German armyThe German Defence Ministry is also planning to expand pastoral care for the approximately 3,000 Muslims in the armed forces
Read more »
Redefine might benefit if Cromwell takes over RDI ReitSome shareholders believe the company should let go of RDI Reit
Read more »
'Racist' German advert infuriates South Korean womenA German advertisement showing an Asian woman getting aroused after smelling dirty laundry worn by white men has fueled anger in Seoul.
Read more »
'Racist' German advert infuriates South Korean womenA German advertisement showing an Asian woman getting aroused after smelling dirty laundry worn by white men has fueled anger in Seoul.
Read more »