approved text, updated naming format, includes NZ redress info
What is Redress?
Redress is one way of acknowledging harm and responding with care. It may offer survivors recognition, support, and practical pathways toward healing after abuse. For many people, redress is not only about process, but about being heard, believed and treated with dignity. Because each redress pathway is different, it can be helpful to have clear information and compassionate support when considering the options.
What does the Seventh-day Adventist Church Redress Scheme offer?
The Seventh-day Adventist Church offers its own redress scheme for survivors of child sexual abuse that occurred in situations where the Church was responsible for the care and wellbeing of the child or vulnerable adult. This redress pathway forms part of the Church’s broader commitment to responding to harm with accountability, compassion and practical support.
Redress is one way the Church acknowledges the deep harm caused by adult to child sexual abuse. Sexual abuse is never acceptable under any circumstances, and we recognise that its effects can be profound and long-lasting. By offering redress, the Church seeks to provide recognition, support and a pathway that may assist survivors in their healing and recovery.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church issued apologies to victims in Australia and New Zealand in 2018 and 2019 respectively.
You can apply for the Seventh-day Adventist Church Redress Scheme with the Redress Application Form
For further information about the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Redress Scheme, read our Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Australian National Redress Scheme?
In addition to our own internal redress scheme, numerous Australian Seventh-day Adventist Church entities are also participants in the Australian National Redress Scheme. This means that survivors in Australia may be able to seek redress either through the Church’s internal scheme or through the National Redress Scheme, depending on their circumstances and preference.
What is the New Zealand Redress Scheme?
In New Zealand, the Government has established a state redress pathway for survivors of abuse and neglect in state care, with improvements continuing in response to the Abuse in Care Royal Commission. This is a government process, separate from the Church’s internal redress scheme. Where relevant, survivors in New Zealand may wish to explore both the available government redress information and the Church’s own redress pathway to understand which option is most appropriate for their circumstances. Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill, State Redress New Zealand, and the Crown response to the Abuse in Care Inquiry