Preventing child abuse

Key points 

1. Abuse and neglect need to be treated seriously because their effects can be very harmful and may last a lifetime.
2. We all have a responsibility to speak up if we are worried about a child.
3. Anybody who is worried that a child is being abused or neglected should call 0508 326 459.
4. 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?

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.

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).

Learn more

Keeping ourselves safe (KOS) – information for parents/whānau (NZ Police) NZ Police
Oranga tamariki Ministry for Children, NZ (previously Child, Youth and Family)
Choose to hug – information and suggestions for parents The Office of the Children's Commissioner, NZ
Children are unbeatable The Office of the Children’s Commissioner, UNICEF NZ & the Families Commission.
Early years last forever Brainwave, NZ

Online course

Trauma-informed care for caregivers free course Goodfellow Unit, NZ 
This course is about recognising trauma and its impact on children/tamariki and understanding what it means to be trauma-informed. It has been developed for caregivers (foster parents and whānau carers) of children/tamariki.