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

• child abuse is everyone’s problem
• it affects children and young people, male and female, from all backgrounds and from every religion, race and culture
• the abuser is usually well known to the child or young person
• if you need to contact someone urgently because of your immediate concern about the safety of a child, then please phone the police on 111, or Child Youth and Family on 0508 326 459 

If you are worried about the safety of your children, see the following:

• Find out how you can ask for help or talk to us if you're worried about your children's safety at the Child, Youth and Family website

If you are worried about a family you know and would like some advice, give Child, Youth and Family a call. 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.

 

The Child, Youth and Family website has information on what to do if you are worried. The website offers information under the following headings:

• If you are worried
• People who can help
• Reporting a concern
• What happens when I call Child, Youth and Family?
• Should I say something?

The following resources are also available at the Child, Youth and Family website:

• Ways we work with families and Working with you, a brochure (at right)
• When we visit

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Where to go for more information and support

On this website

Child protection (preventing abuse)

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