Child Abuse: Worried About A Child?

Key points to remember when you're worried about the safety of a child or suspect abuse 

If a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 111 within New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries).

• every child deserves to feel safe and have their needs met - it is everyone's responsibility to speak up if we have a concern
• child abuse and neglect can affect children of any age, male and female, from all backgrounds and from every religion, race and culture
• people who harm children are usually well known to the child or young person
• if a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 111 within New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries), or Oranga Tamariki on 0508 326 459

What is child abuse?

Child abuse can be sexual, physical, or emotional. It can also be neglect. Neglect may include:

• not taking a child to the doctor when they are unwell
• lack of supervision of a child by an adult
• not giving a child proper food or clothing

A child can experience more than one form of abuse at a time.

What can I do if I'm worried about a child?

• if you are worried about a family you know and would like some advice, call Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children on 0508 326 459 - they're there to help
• social workers at Oranga Tamariki will be able to listen to your worries - they are trained to help find solutions to family problems
• if a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 111 within New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries), or Oranga Tamariki on 0508 326 459

What health services are available if I'm worried about child abuse?

If your child is hurt or unwell and you suspect abuse, seek help straightaway.

There are a number of people and services that can help, such as nurses and doctors, and social workers who work within the health system. Health social workers can help with a range of issues. They will listen to you and work with you to find support that is right for your situation.

When should I seek help if my child is hurt or unwell?

If your child is hurt or unwell and you suspect abuse, it is very important to seek help straightaway.

If your child needs urgent help, take them straight to the emergency department of your local hospital. If you're not sure how serious the injury is, it is best to go to the hospital. The doctors and nurses there can check your child and make sure they are OK.

If you don't think it's an emergency, there are a number of people who you can see. This could be a health professional such as your family doctor, Plunket nurse, or midwife. You could also talk to your child's preschool or school.

Who will be involved if my child has been abused?

If you take your child to hospital, a health professional with special skills will see your child.

They will examine your child and may do some tests. It depends on the type of harm to your child. The health professional will talk with you about everything and explain what's happening. 

Check the directory for information and support - organisations, helplines, counselling services.

Surviving sexual abuse

Counselling

Counselling may help the healing process for a child or young person who has been the victim of abuse. As this is a very specialised area, wherever possible, your child should see an approved counsellor who has experience in this area.

Sometimes a child doesn't want to see someone immediately. They can choose to see a counsellor at a later date.

Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) provides ACC-approved counsellors for children who have been sexually abused. ACC can help with some of the costs of counselling. You can find registered counsellors by region, including ACC-approved sexual abuse counsellors, at the ACC website. 

You can contact your local Citizens' Advice Bureau for details of local crisis counselling services, as these differ from centre to centre.

What if I'm worried about my own behaviour?

If family members seem afraid of you, find you hard to talk to or feel they have to do what you want them to, you might need to consider changing your behaviour.

Help is available. If you want help with your behaviour, call the Family Violence Information Line on 0800 456 450 to find out about the organisations in your area which can help.