W5 Investigates Stories of Abuse and Terror at a Nova Scotia Children’s Home, Saturday on CTV

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Toronto, ON (October 31, 2012) – 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.”

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).

About W5
With an ongoing commitment to covering tough, relevant stories with fair and responsible reporting, W5 is in its 47^th season of investigative journalism. Hosted by Lloyd Robertson, the award-winning series is the most-watched documentary program in Canada. Anton Koschany is Executive Producer of W5. Brett Mitchell is Senior Producer. Wendy Freeman is President of CTV News and Current Affairs.

-CTV-

For more information, contact:

Patricia Garcia, CTV Inc., 416.384.2645 or patricia.garcia@bellmedia.ca

Renee Dupuis, CTV Inc., 416.384.3154 or renee.dupuis@bellmedia.ca