The Red House: Victims of Alleged Abuse Sue Local Authority

Forty-three people are suing Norfolk County Council over allegations of horrific abuse they suffered at The Red House, a children’s home situated in Buxton during the 1980’s and 1990’s.

The survivors have commenced legal action in negligence, sexual abuse and for physical assault, false imprisonment, torture and starvation.

Run by the Tvind School Cooperative, a group from Denmark, the home was eventually shut down in 1998.

Those who have come forward described the home, situated in remote surroundings, as being more like a cult than a school. They allege that they were violently beaten by teachers who also encouraged other pupils to fight each other. Some allege they were subjected to multiple occasions of serious sexual abuse. When complaints were made to staff, they were accused of lying.

Some of the victims are quoted as saying “The teachers would shake, slap and beat you into submission” and “I remember being woken, being raped.”

Students would spend months travelling abroad, one victim claims she was sexually abused on a trip to India.

In 1989, children instigated a riot in the hope of raising awareness about what was happening. 18 pupils were arrested and charged with violent disorder and criminal damage.

A report prepared by Norfolk County Council in 1994 shows it was aware of 20 reports of child abuse from victims but the home continued to operate. 

The Council has described the allegations as “deeply concerning” and that they are co-operating fully with investigations.

Norfolk Police twice investigated allegations of abuse at the home under Operation Walmsgate but no charges were ever brought due to “evidential difficulties” and “statutory time limits”.