Key points when you're worried about the safety of a child
If a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 111 within New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries).
- all tamariki (children) deserve 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 tamariki of any age, male and female, from every religion, race and culture
- people who harm tamariki 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 a health professional 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 to do if you're worried about a child
If a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 111 within New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries).
If you are worried about a child you know and would like some advice, give Oranga Tamariki a call on 0508 326 459. They're there to help. Their social workers will be able to listen to your worries, and they are trained to be able to help find solutions to family problems.
Health services and support if you're worried about a child
If your child is hurt or unwell and you suspect abuse, seek help straight away.
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.
Listing Of Information, Support & Resources on Child Abuse
When to seek help if your child is hurt or unwell
If your child is hurt or unwell and you suspect abuse, it is very important to seek help straight away.
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 is involved if a 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.
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.
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.
Citizen's Advice Bureau provides free, confidential information and advice to anyone about any query or problem. You can contact your local CAB for details of local crisis counselling services, as these differ from centre to centre.
What if I'm worried about my own behaviour?
If your family or whānau 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.
The Family Violence Information Line 0800 456 450 provides self-help information. It also connects people to services where appropriate. Visit their website if you need help for yourself or someone else.
Acknowledgements
The content on this page has been developed and approved by the Clinical Network for Child Protection, Paediatric Society New Zealand.
