RNZ: Gloriavale: Father tells court of ‘public shaming’ culture in community

| Stuff |

A former Gloriavale member has told the Employment Court he saw a culture of victim blaming during his time at the community.

Serenity Pilgrim, Anna Courage, Rose Standtrue, Crystal Loyal, Pearl Valor and Virginia Courage are arguing their years of domestic work in the sect was as employees, rather than as volunteers.

Serenity Pilgrim’s father, Isaac Pilgrim, was born and raised in the Christian community and made several explosive claims before chief judge Christina Inglis in Christchurch on Tuesday.

He was one of 49 witnesses providing evidence during the five-week hearing.

Gloriavale’s leaders deny the claims that the women were employees or were under the absolute control of the Shepherds.

Isaac told the court when inappropriate behaviour occurred involving male members of the sect, the girl’s reputation was “tarnished” in the eyes of leaders.

“They’re usually labelled as whores and shamed in front of the community, even if nothing physical has occurred,” he said.

Further reading: Father tells court of ‘public shaming’ culture in community