The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care (the Inquiry) was set up by the New Zealand Government to inquire into the abuse and neglect of children, young people and vulnerable adults in the care of the State and faith-based institutions in New Zealand between 1950 and 1999, with discretion to consider cases both before and after that period. A better understanding of the costs of abuse will support a conversation about how to reduce personal and societal costs. This is through addressing the prevalence of abuse in care and through redress (particularly rehabilitation and support) to alleviate the long term impacts of abuse on survivors and society.

This study aims to provide a high-level estimate of the cost of abuse in care over the inquiry period. In researching how this might be done, the study identifies the range of impacts associated with child abuse, how they can be measured, and available costs that can be applied.