Based on in-depth interviews with 45 victims, together with extensive documentary analysis of 105 cases, this article outlines the nature and extent of state violence inflicted against children in New Zealand’s social welfare institutions. Drawing upon experiential accounts, the article provides a discussion of the short- and long-term impacts of this violence on victims and it shows the continuing injustices of official responses towards them. The article explores how state agencies might provide a more responsive response. In particular, it proposes the provision of (1) the recognition of victimization in state care; (2) the reparation of harms and (3) the prevention of future victimization.