From a media release:
5 Investigates Stories of Abuse and Terror at a Nova Scotia Children’s Home, Saturday on CTV
- W5`s Victor Malarek investigates allegations of decades-long abuse in a provincially-funded institution that was supposed to protect vulnerable children
In an all-new W5 investigation premiering this Saturday, Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. ET on CTV, Victor Malarek investigates horrific stories of abuse and terror at a residential home that was supposed to protect vulnerable children. “THE THROWAWAY CHILDREN†explores a devastating cover-up spanning decades that includes allegations of physical, emotional and sexual abuse affecting orphaned and abandoned children.
Exclusive interviews with victims, plus documents obtained by W5, reveal that both the home and government knew about the serious mistreatment of the children.
In the hour-long investigative report, W5’s Malarek meets with former residents of the Nova Scotia Home for Colored Children, set up by the province to accept orphaned and abandoned black children in 1921. The institution was intended to be a symbol of the black community’s dreams and a place for hope. However, for many former residents it will always be home of their worst nightmares.
Malarek meets with some of the approximately 100 survivors who, united in their childhood suffering, have launched a proposed class action lawsuit seeking redress for years of devastating physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. They tell shocking stories of the torment they suffered, while their pleas for help were ignored.
The most horrific allegations are those of sexual abuse, with 20 former residents alleging sexual assault by two staff members at the home. Documents obtained by W5 reveal – in the case of one brutal rape – that although the home’s management was aware of the assault and discussed reporting it to police, authorities were not informed.
Nova Scotia’s black community has long had a special, yet controversial place in the province. Many today are descendants of freed slaves given refuge at the time of the American Revolution. Despite being integrated into the province’s political and social culture, Nova Scotia has, at times, also been called “the Mississippi of the North.â€
W5 can also be seen on Investigation Discovery on Tuesdays at 11 p.m. ET, and Wednesdays at 3 a.m. ET, 6 a.m. ET and 12 noon ET; and on demand at CTVNews.ca/W5, the CTV Mobile channel on Bell Mobile TV, and through video on demand partners, such as Bell Fibe TV (visit CTV.ca for local listings).
I would like to speak to some of the people who was in this home. My mom & some of her sibblings were there also and abused. As an outcome of this I have had to deal with things I never would have had to deal with.
Judy – that was such a heart breaking story and I am sure it will reflect on many generations- I grew up with Negro kids and had friends in school and the story on W5 tonight had me in tears – to think that stuff like this happened and will continue – I feel so sorry for the older adults who were abused by people who are not alive today – and hope that this class action suit will be an eye opener and maybe some day people will live as one – no matter what :( – best of luck in your healing
Maybe at some time I could meet some of the others in Halifax.
My heart went out to these people that were abused, my husband and I shed many tears tonight watching this program. If this building is still standing maybe it should be burnt down and let the abused ones light the first match. Maybe than they will finally have closure!
These innocent children should have been protected! My heart ached and cried so much when I listened and watched the story of these beautiful and strong people. I cannot believe how ignorant, deceitful, blind and evil hearted Veronica Marsman is. She KNOWS the truth and refuses to admit or do anything about the whole situation. If she does not speak up she is as responsible and as guilty as any of the other predators involved in this horrific crime act. There is nothing worst than covering up a crime that has been done to the children of this earth. These pedophiles are walking free and could be committing these crimes upon other minors. If the board or the government of Nova Scotia does not take action, the system is as guilty of negligence as these child molesters and abusers who are guilty of rape and abuse. Justice will prevail, and it will be a victorious day!
I happend to turn onto the W5 TV program – sat back quietly enraged!
My support goes to the survivors and their families. You will win your “forgotten cases – already you have won – you are a
living legacy – if only future generations can learn – the abuse continues in all countries children’s voices not yet heard! Lord grant us forgotten children Peace.
I was deeply sadened to watch your program today. I live in a rural town in Ontario Canada and am aware of abuse. MY heart goes out to all those who were abused and scared for life starting in childhood…I am so sorry I will pray for them all that they may find peace in their lives.
I was raised only a few blocks from The Colored home and still to this day remember a young girl in her early teens who would run away from The home and come to my house she would tell us she hated it there but was to fearfull of telling us why, now I can understand and lm only in my middle 30s so this kind of thing has been still going on in the last 20-25 yrs There should be an extensive investigation into The colored Home including the ones still standing I feel for those who suffered due to the hands of adults that they trusted Justice will come to all of you on time you have many supporters I’ve been following this story since it came out and will continue to do so until you receive JUSTICE
After watching this show I was sick to my stomach that any human being could do the things done to these beautiful children. Sitting there watching the two woman that were in the car (on the board) I wanted to smack the smug right off their faces. How in earth can something like this be covered up and people allow it to go on over all these years. I take my hat off to all those that were on the show and had the courage to come forward. Children are a gift, they should always be protected. I want to know why oh why other staff members didn’t protect them, scream to the press, scream to the world this was happening. I just feel so sad that so many beautiful children suffered such horrible abuse. My heart, my thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims.
I am a member of a new class action lawsuit
The suit claims the province failed to take all necessary steps to protect the rights of Crown wards to apply for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board or to file personal injury claims for children who were abused prior to or while in the care of the Province of Ontario. I am a member of a new class action lawsuit. More than 300 former Crown wards, including four from Windsor, have joined a $110-million proposed class-action lawsuit claiming the Ontario government failed to help them seek compensation for the abuse they suffered before and after coming into care.