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Preventing Child Abuse

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Group of 10 children sitting on and around a park bench

Key points to remember about preventing child abuse

  • abuse and neglect need to be treated seriously because their effects can be very harmful and may last a lifetime
  • we all have a responsibility to speak up if we are worried about a child
  • anybody who is worried that a child is being abused or neglected should call 0508 326 459
  • if you or a child are in immediate danger, call the police on 111 within New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries)

What can we do to prevent abuse or neglect?

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

The effects of abuse and neglect can be very harmful

  • nobody knows exactly how much child abuse and neglect goes on in the community because so much of it is hidden
  • abuse and neglect need to be treated seriously because their effects can be very harmful and may last a lifetime

We all have a responsibility to speak up if we are worried about a child

  • every child deserves to feel safe and have their needs met
  • it is crucial that everyone keeps an eye out for the children in our community
  • we all have a responsibility to speak up if we are worried about a child or are concerned that they are not safe or not being properly cared for

Call 0508 326 459 if you are worried that a child is being abused or neglected 

  • Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children is the government agency with powers to intervene to protect children who are being abused or neglected
  • anybody who is worried that a child is being abused or neglected should call them on 0508 326 459
  • you can choose to be anonymous when you call them if you prefer 

Check the directory for information and support - organisations, helplines, counselling services [1].

If a child or young person discloses abuse to you, let them know they are believed and safe 

  • if a child or young person discloses abuse to you, let them know they are believed and safe and that you will make sure they have access to the right services
  • it is important that the child knows it is NOT their fault

If you are affected by family violence or you or a child are in immediate danger ...

  • child abuse and intimate partner violence are closely related and commonly occur together
  • if you or your children are affected by family violence, call the Family Violence Information Line on 0800 456 450 to find out about the organisations in your area which can help
  • if you or a child are in immediate danger, call the police on 111 within New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries)
Acknowledgements: 

The content on this page has been developed and approved by the Clinical Network for Child Protection, Paediatric Society New Zealand.

External links and downloads (see the online version for more information at other websites)

Keeping Ourselves Safe (KOS): Information for parents/whānau (NZ Police) [2]

[3]

Keeping Ourselves Safe (KOS) consists of a comprehensive range of child protection resources to help students learn and apply a range of safety skills that they can use when interacting with others. A range of resources are provided for parents and whānau as part of KOS.

Oranga Tamariki, Ministry for Children (previously Child, Youth and Family) [4]

[5]If you are worried about a family 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. 

Choose to hug: Information and suggestions for parents [6]

[7]A parenting booklet (PDF, 384KB) (produced by EPOCH New Zealand and the Children's Commissioner) which provides simple suggestions on how to deal with everyday child care and discipline issues.

Children are unbeatable [8]

[9]7 very good reasons not to hit children. This book (PDF, 500KB) highlights the principles of positive parenting and includes practical suggestions for parents. (Rhonda Pritchard, the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, UNICEF and the Familes Commission). 

Early years last forever (Brainwave Trust) [10]

[11]A human baby has the potential to be many things. Loving, responsive care when they are very young provides a strong basis for children to grow and flourish. Soothing, secure relationships encourage a child to be resilient and strong in the face of difficulties. The people close to them make up their world. You can make a real difference.

This page last reviewed 07 April 2020.
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Source URL: https://kidshealth.org.nz/preventing-child-abuse?language=mi

Links
[1] https://kidshealth.org.nz/child-abuse-directory-information-and-support
[2] https://kidshealth.org.nz/node/2120?language=mi
[3] http://www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-and-community-advice/school-portal/resources/successful-relationships/keeping
[4] https://kidshealth.org.nz/node/2129?language=mi
[5] https://www.orangatamariki.govt.nz/
[6] https://kidshealth.org.nz/node/2123?language=mi
[7] https://www.occ.org.nz/assets/Uploads/Reports/Parenting/Choose-to-hug.pdf
[8] https://kidshealth.org.nz/node/2124?language=mi
[9] https://www.occ.org.nz/assets/Uploads/Reports/Parenting/Children-are-unbeatable.pdf
[10] https://kidshealth.org.nz/node/1632?language=mi
[11] https://www.brainwave.org.nz/
[12] https://kidshealth.org.nz/contact?from=http%3A%2F%2Fkidshealth.org.nz%2Fprint%2F97%3Flanguage%3Dmi