Key points to remember

• nobody knows exactly how much child abuse 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
• Child, Youth and Family is the government agency with powers to intervene to protect children who are being abused or neglected - you can call them on 0508 FAMILY (326 459)
• there is a close relationship between child abuse and family violence (see Child protection (family violence) on this website)
• 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 who can help
• if you or a child are in immediate danger, call the police on 111

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Preventing child abuse

We all have a role to play in making sure our children are safe. The following information is designed to help support you to protect our children:

• No Excuse for Abuse (at right)
  Developed by Safer Streets Trust (now the Young New Zealanders’ Foundation). The programme has been designed to work with the New Zealand Police programme, Keeping Ourselves Safe
  
  
• Keeping ourselves safe
  A child abuse prevention programme for schools. See the New Zealand Police YES (Youth Education Service) website and the pamphlet Are your kids safe?
  
  
• Keeping kids safe (at right)
  A Child, Youth and Family brochure
  
  
• The ten things kids need most 
  At the Child, Youth and Family website
  
  
• Child protection - what parents and caregivers can do to protect children from paedophiles
  At the New Zealand Police website
  
  
• Choose to hug: Information and suggestions for parents (at

  

  right)
  A parenting booklet (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. 

 

 

 

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Where to go for more information and support

On this website

Child protection (what if I'm worried about a child?)

Child protection (when abuse has occurred)

Child protection (family violence)

Child protection (more information, resources, support)

SBS (shaken baby syndrome) prevention

 

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Endorsement

This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 17/09/2010

Copyright

Fact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation.
© The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2012

The Paediatric Society of New Zealand http://www.paediatrics.org.nz

Starship Foundation http://www.starship.org.nz