The following information is designed to help protect our children and keep them safe:

• Keeping Ourselves Safe - a child abuse prevention programme for schools. The programme is available to all schools, levels 0 to 13. It aims to provide children and young people with the skills to cope with situations that might involve abuse.
  For more information see:
  – the New Zealand Police YES (Youth Education Service) website¹
  – Are your kids safe?² - a pamphlet for parents and whanau
  
• No Excuse for Abuse³ developed by the Safer Streets Trust (now the Young New Zealanders’ Foundation). It provides relevant and up-to-date material for parents and carers wanting to help keep their children safe from child abuse. The programme has been designed to work with the New Zealand Police programme, Keeping Ourselves Safe. As well, is a stand-alone book, which you can download.
  
• Child protection - what parents and caregivers can do to protect children from paedophiles⁴ at the New Zealand Police website.
  
• Choose to hug not to smack⁵ - the popular parenting booklet which provides simple suggestions on how to deal with everyday child care and discipline issues. The booklet has been revised and re-published by EPOCH New Zealand and the Children's Commissioner in 2008. The revised version contains a new section explaining the provisions of New Zealand's child discipline law, and how the law fits in with positive parenting approaches to discipline.

Part 2: What can I do if I suspect abuse or neglect?

• signs of abuse
• what you can do
• what happens if you call Child, Youth and Family?
• what happens after Child, Youth and Family investigate?

The Child, Youth and Family website also has information on dealing with neglect⁷.

• what is neglect?
• neglect takes different forms
• how neglect affects children
• what all children need
• why does neglect happen?
• what can be done about neglect?

• Child abuse and neglect⁸
• Neglect: It’s too important to ignore⁹

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Part 3: Reporting abuse

• 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 police¹⁰ on 111
  or
  Child Youth and Family¹¹ on 0508 326 459 

There is advice and information at the Child, Youth and Family website about reporting child abuse or neglect¹².  It is available under the following headings:

• what does abuse and neglect do to children?
• how to tell if a child is abused or neglected
  - general signs
  - physical abuse signs
  - emotional abuse signs
  - sexual abuse signs
  - neglect signs
• are you hurting your child?
• are you being abused or neglected?
• who do you tell about abuse and neglect?
• when should you report child abuse?
• what to expect if you report child abuse to Child, Youth and Family
• investigating abuse and neglect
• what happens after the investigation?
  - if no abuse or neglect is found?
  - if it’s a relatively straightforward problem?
  - if it’s a more serious or complicated case?
  - if a crime has been committed?

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Part 4: Advice to parents and caregivers whose children have disclosed abuse

The Child, Youth and Family website has advice for parents and caregivers whose children have disclosed abuse¹³. Advice is provided under the following headings:

• remain calm
• accept what your child says
• keep a written record
• talking to others
• get help

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Who might become involved after abuse has been reported?

For information about who may become involved once any kind of abuse has been reported, see Who’s who in child protection¹⁴  on the Child, Youth and Family website. This information explains the roles of the following:

• Child, Youth and Family social workers
• counsellors
• police
• CAT (Child Abuse Team) - police investigative team specialising in complaints of child abuse
• DSAC (Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care)
• health workers
• care and protection co-ordinators – managers of FGCs (family group conferences – see further down in this section)
• care and protection resource panels
• community organisations
• the Commissioner for Children

For information about CYF (Child, Youth and Family), see:

• the Child, Youth and Family pamphlet About us and our services¹⁵

An FGC (family group conference) is a formal meeting which may be organised if a child or young person is in need of care and / or protection. Care and / or protection is needed when a child or young person is at risk because of physical, sexual or emotional abuse, violence between their caregivers or neglect.

 

For more information about FGCs (family group conferences), see:

• the factsheet¹⁶ or brochure¹⁷ (in pdf format) at theChild, Youth and Family website

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What medical services are available for children who have been abused?

Paediatric services at your local hospital usually see acute cases of physical abuse. Often CYF (Child, Youth and Family) or the police become involved first, and refer the child or young person to a relevant doctor for a physical examination.

 

If you take your child to see a doctor because of a concern about sexual abuse, they should refer you to a doctor who is specially trained in sexual abuse care. DSAC (Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care) provides this training for doctors in New Zealand. Some doctors may have received training in sexual abuse care overseas.

 

In some areas, a paediatrician at the local hospital will be the DSAC trained doctor. In other areas, it will be a GP (general practitioner).

 

Your family doctor, local accident and emergency clinic, or hospital emergency department should always be able to consult with a DSAC-trained doctor. All DSAC doctors are trained in the care of sexual assault victims, and are willing to help you.

 

The local police or the paediatrician at your local hospital will be able to help you to find a DSAC doctor. You can contact the DSAC National Office directly during working hours (see Where to go for more information and support for contact details). DSAC regional liaison doctors can also refer you to a DSAC doctor in your area. There are DSAC regional liaison doctors throughout New Zealand. There is a listing¹⁸ of DSAC regional liaison doctors on the DSAC website.

 

In some areas, there are dedicated health services for child and adolescent abuse. For example, in Auckland, Te Puaruruhau is a regional service for children and young people in the 0 - 19 age group who have experienced abuse or neglect. This service is located in a multi-agency centre with the New Zealand Police and the Department of Child, Youth and Family. The centre is called Puawaitahi. Referrals to this service will usually be made by your doctor or local hospital, or your local CYF (Child, Youth and Family) or police station.

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What happens when my child sees a doctor for sexual abuse?

The DSAC (Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care) website provides information for families and children on the medical care and assessment of sexual abuse and assault. Going to the doctor¹⁹  includes information under the following headings:

• why does my child need to see a doctor?
• what sort of doctor will my child see?
• what happens in the examination?
• will the examination hurt ?
• what genital (and / or anal) injuries are likely?
• can there be any permanent problems?
• can I ask questions and discuss worries?
• who will be given information about the examination ?
• if it is necessary for the offender to be apprehended...

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Part 5: Surviving sexual abuse

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, your child should only see an approved counsellor who has experience in this area.

 

ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) provides ACC-approved counsellors for children who have been sexually abused and can help with some of the costs of counselling. You can find registered counsellors by region, including ACC-approved sexual abuse counsellors, at the ACC website²⁰. For ACC contact details, see Where to go for more information and support.

 

You can contact your local CAB²¹ (Citizens’ Advice Bureau)  for details of local crisis counselling services, as these differ from centre to centre.

 

There is factsheet on surviving sexual assault²² at the DSAC (Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care) website. The DSAC website also has a factsheet about help for children²³. There is information on the following:

• what is child sexual abuse or assault?
• what children are at risk?
• what sort of person does this to children?
• what help is needed?
• help to stop sexual abuse
• help for physical problems
• help for emotional problems
• who can give this help?

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Part 6: Family violence

• many families in New Zealand are affected by family violence
• family violence is violence between people with a close personal relationship
• family violence can take many forms; for example, if you feel afraid of your partner, controlled or always put down, this can also be family violence
• psychological abuse can be just as damaging as physical abuse
• children who hear or see family violence can suffer long-term psychological harm
• a Protection Order can be issued by the Family Court to protect you and your children from further domestic violence
• 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

For more information, see:

• the Family Violence - It's not OK²⁴ website which provides a range of resources²⁵, including:
  
  – the Are you OK?²⁶ booklet 
  – the It is OK to ask for help²⁷ mini booklet which includes information on how to ask for help, whether experiencing, using or witnessing violence
  – the Take a look²⁸ booklet: a Family Violence resource for men about positive change
  – Protecting our children is everyone's business²⁹: a resource on how family violence affects children
  

See also:

•  the New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse³⁰
• the Youthlaw website which has a section about family violence (referred to as domestic violence) and young people³¹

For detailed information on family violence and Protection Orders, see:

• the Women’s Refuge website³²
• the New Zealand Police website³³
• the pamphlet Domestic violence: Information on Protection Orders and the Domestic Violence Act³⁴ at the Family Court website 

Women's Refuge provides support and information when you are dealing with violence in your life. See their contact details and resources available in Where to go for more information and support. Their website has information about safety planning³⁵ to help you think about how you might leave a violent situation, including:

• a plan for leaving
• a plan for after you’ve left
• a plan for staying

For information about the Family Court, see:

• the Family Court website³⁶
• the Women’s Refuge website³⁷ 

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Part 7: Where to go for more information and support

On this website

Child protection part 1: Preventing child abuse

Child protection part 2: What can I do if I suspect abuse or neglect? 

Child protection part 3: Reporting abuse

Child protection part 4: What if my child has been abused?

Child protection part 5: Surviving sexual abuse

Child protection part 6: Family violence

Child protection part 7: Where to go for more information and support

Child protection: Preventing SBS (shaken baby syndrome)

 

ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation)
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, at the ACC website³⁸. You can also phone your local ACC office to ask about counsellors. See the ACC website³⁹  for ACC contact details or check the government phone listings in the front of the white pages of your phone book.

 

Barnardos
Barnardos works within the community to provide a range of care, education, information and support services for children and their families. Services include home-based care and education services, as well as family support and early learning centres. Barnardos also runs supervised access programmes. You can find contact details of an office near you by visiting the Barnardos website⁴⁰.

National Office physical address: 85-87 Ghuznee Street, Wellington.
Postal address: PO Box 6434, Wellington
Phone: 64 4 385 7560
Fax: 64 4 382 6700
Website: http://www.barnardos.org.nz

 

CAB (Citizen’s Advice Bureau)

You can contact your local CAB⁴¹  for details of local crisis counselling services, as these differ from centre to centre. There is also a CAB Multi-lingual Information Service⁴².

Call free on 0800 FOR CAB (0800 367 222)

Website: http://www.cab.org.nz

 

Child, Youth and Family Services
Child, Youth and Family works with families to protect children and young people, promote the well-being of children, young people, their families and family groups, ensure that children in need are secure and cared for and help families maintain and strengthen their child-rearing role. Child, Youth and Family is the government agency that has legal powers to intervene to protect and help children who are being abused or neglected or who have problem behaviour. There is a Child, Youth and Family pamphlet About us and our services⁴³ and a range of other pamphlets⁴⁴ in pdf format for you to download.

Phone: 64 9 912 3820 or 0508 FAMILY (326 459)
Fax: 64 9 914 1211
Website: http://www.cyf.govt.nz

 

CPS - Preventing harm to children through education and awareness
CPS, a charitable trust, is a training organisation that teaches individuals and communities effective responses when they consider a child is at risk. CPS provides the following services, aimed at safeguarding children and helping in early detection and intervention when children are at risk or are being abused:

• training programmes (NZQA approved)
• seminars
• workshops
• advice, resources and handbooks

Training and professional development programmes are held throughout New Zealand.

 

Address: PO Box 679, Hamilton
Phone: 64 7 8383370
Fax: 64 7 8389950
Email: info@cps.org.nz
Website: http://www.cps.org.nz

 

DSAC (Doctors for Sexual Abuse Care)
DSAC is a professional organisation of doctors and nurses from many disciplines. Their main focus is training and supporting health professionals in sexual abuse care.

Postal address: PO Box 90-723, Auckland

Phone: 64 9 376 1422

Fax: 64 9 376 0790

Email: dsac@ihug.co.nz

Website: http://www.dsac.org.nz

 

EPOCH New Zealand Inc
EPOCH New Zealand Inc is a charitable trust. It aims to:

• end physical punishment of children
• educate parents and others about the dangers and disadvantages of physical punishment of children
• promote alternative non-violent ways of helping children behave well

Postal address: PO Box 11996, Wellington, 6001

Website: http://www.epochnz.org.nz 

 

Family Court of New Zealand
The Family Court aims to help people sort out their own problems about family matters as much as possible. Court appearances are seen as a last resort. The Family Court website includes the pamphlet Domestic violence: Information on Protection Orders and the Domestic Violence Act⁴⁵.

Website: http://www.courts.govt.nz/family

 

Family Violence - It's not OK
The Campaign for Action on Family Violence is a major initiative of the Taskforce for Action on Violence Within Families , which advises the government on family violence issues. The Campaign is being led by the Ministry of Social Development and the Families Commission, in association with communities. It is supported by ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation), the Ministry of Health and the New Zealand Police.

Family Violence Information Line: 0800 456 450

Website: http://www.areyouok.org.nz/home.php

 

Gr8mates

This is a website for teenagers supporting friends who have had an unwanted sexual experience.
Website: http://gr8mates.org.nz 

 

Jigsaw Family Services

Jigsaw is a national organisation focused on the wellbeing of all New Zealand children and their families. The diverse group of independent, community-based social service agencies that make up the Jigsaw network, advocate against all forms of child abuse, neglect, and family violence and provide support to families so they can raise their children in safe and nurturing ways.

Physical Address: Level 1, 13 Adelaide Road, Newtown, Wellington

Postal Address: PO Box 7285, Wellington South 6242

Phone: 64 4 385 7983

Fax: 64 4 385 9897

Email: Carolyn@jigsaw.org.nz

Website: http://www.jigsaw.org.nz/

 

KidsLine
KidsLine is New Zealand’s only 24-hour helpline for New Zealand children (five to 18 years). KidsLine is part of the LifeLine family of services. Children and young people can ring any hour of the day on an 0800 number and talk to a trained counsellor about anything that might be worrying them. These counsellors are caring, understanding adults who will listen. Children can also talk on weekdays between 4-6pm to a Kidsline Buddy. KidsLine Buddies are specially trained year 12 and 13 students.

Postal address: PO Box 74 010, Market Rd, Remuera, Auckland
Call free on 0800 KIDSLINE(0800 543 754) any time

Website: http://www.kidsline.org.nz  

 

NZAC (New Zealand Association of Counsellors)
The professional organisation for counsellors in New Zealand. NZAC offers ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation)-approved counsellors and, if the correct procedures are followed, costs are met by ACC. You can check whether a counsellor is a member of NZAC by asking the individual counsellor to show you their certificate, by emailing membership@nzac.org.nz or by phoning 64 7 834 0220. Remember, if your child has been the victim of abuse, they should only see an approved counsellor who has experience in this area. Check with ACC for approved counsellors.

Website: http://www.nzac.org.nz  

 

New Zealand Family Violence Clearinghouse
This is a Ministry of Social Development funded project. The website provides information about family violence in New Zealand.

Website: http://www.nzfvc.org.nz

 

New Zealand Police
See the New Zealand Police website for a list of local police contact details⁴⁶, or for information about dialling 111⁴⁷. You can also check the government phone listings in the front of the white pages of your phone book.
YES (Youth Education Service)⁴⁸
Website: http://www.police.govt.nz 

 

Office of the Children’s Commissioner
The Office of the Children’s Commissioner is an independent authority promoting children’s and young people’s wellbeing through advocacy, consultation, monitoring, research and investigation. The Children’s Commissioner speaks out on behalf of all children to ensure their rights are respected and upheld.
Physical address: Level 12, 86-90 Lambton Quay, Wellington
Postal address: PO Box 5610, Wellington
Phone: 64 4 471 1410 or 0800 224 453
Fax: 64 4 471 1418
Email: children@occ.org.nz
Website: http://www.occ.org.nz 

 

Parentline
Parentline deals with children who have been sexually, physically or emotionally abused or who are at risk of abuse. Parentline acts as a child advocacy service:

• to bring to light cases of child abuse or neglect; through public education and raising public awareness of the effect of abusive parents
• to explore fully the factors giving rise to abuse or neglect of children by providing documentation and undertaking research
• to consult with and refer where appropriate to organisations both voluntary and statutory connected with the welfare of children
• to provide immediate and ongoing support to families where child abuse or neglect has occurred, to achieve rehabilitation of the abusing family where possible and reconciliation of the child with his or her family
• ensure that a Maori perspective is encouraged and maintained

Postal address: PO Box 11077, DX Mail: GX 33397, Hamilton
Phone: 64 7 839 4536
Fax: 64 7 839 4515

Email: parentline@parentline.org.nz

Website: http://www.parentline.org.nz

 

Shine 
Shine (previously known as Preventing Violence in the Home) provides a range of services (not all are national), including a comprehensive web site on family violence. Although the organisation is Auckland based, the information on the website is nationally relevant. The organisation provides a national helpline: 0508-DVHELP (0508 384357). The helpline operates 7:30am -11:00pm every day.
Website: http://www.2shine.org.nz

 

Victim Support

Victim Support provides 24-hour emotional support, personal advocacy and information to all people affected by crime and trauma throughout New Zealand. See the Victim Support website for contact details⁴⁹ of the Victim Support Group nearest you.
Call free on 0800 VICTIM (0800 842846) or 64 4 474 8862
Fax: 64 4 495 3076
Email: victim@xtra.co.nz
Website: http://www.victimsupport.org.nz 

 

What’s Up
What’s Up is a free, national telephone counselling service for New Zealanders aged five to 18 years. The service operates seven days a week from noon to midnight. Paid, trained and closely supervised professional counsellors answer the telephones. What’s Up aims to provide early help to children and teach them skills that will help prevent the development of major problems later in their lives. What’s Up is provided by The Kid’s Help Foundation Trust in association with Barnardos New Zealand.
Call free on 0800 WHATSUP (0800 942 8787)
Website: http://www.whatsup.co.nz

 

Women’s Refuge

Women's Refuge is an independent community organisation, run by women, for women and children. It provides support and information when you are dealing with violence in your life. Support includes a 24-hour helpline, 24-hour access to a safe house, counselling, support with financial and legal matters, childcare programmes and information and education. Services are confidential and free. For crisis, support and advocacy please contact a local Women's Refuge. The Women’s Refuge website has factsheets and resources⁵⁰ and information about what to do if you or a friend needs help⁵¹.  

Website: http://www.womensrefuge.org.nz  

 

Young New Zealanders’ Foundation (formerly the Safer Streets Trust)
The Young New Zealanders’ Foundation aims to create safer communities by supporting, educating and empowering young people in their families and in the wider community. The Foundation supplies a range of educational resources. Select Our Projects on the top navigation bar.
National Office postal address: PO Box 101 658, Auckland 1333
Phone: 64 9 444 4430
Fax: 64 9 443 4902
Contact details⁵² are on the Young New Zealanders’ Foundation website. 
Website: http://www.youngnz.org.nz

 

Youth Court
The Youth Court deals with young people 14, 15 and 16 years old.
Website: http://www.courts.govt.nz/youth 

 

Youthlaw
Youthlaw is a law agency set up just for young people. They have a huge range of brochures and booklets on most things that involve young people and the law. Give them a call if you need some legal advice, or want to know your rights in a particular situation. They are friendly and helpful and their information is free to young people.
The website has a section about domestic violence and young people.
Phone: 64 9 309 6967. If you are outside of Auckland, collect calls are accepted.
Website: http://www.youthlaw.co.nz

 

Youthline
A free telephone counselling service for young people.
Call free on 0800 376 633
Website: http://youthline.co.nz

 

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Links   (these are the web addresses for the numbered links in the text above)

[1] http://www.police.govt.nz/service/yes/resources/violence/kos
.html

[2] http://www.police.govt.nz/service/yes/resources/violence/pdf
/protect.pdf

[3] http://www.noexcuseforabuse.com/

[4] http://www.police.govt.nz/safety/home.childprotection.html

[5] http://www.occ.org.nz/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/3759/OCC_C
hoose_to_Hug.pdf

[6] http://www.cyf.govt.nz/SuspectAbuse.htm

[7] http://www.cyf.govt.nz/766.htm

[8] http://www.cyf.govt.nz/documents/CYF_25_ChildAbuseBrochure.p
df

[9] http://www.cyf.govt.nz/documents/CYF_49_NeglectBrochure.pdf

[10] http://www.police.govt.nz/

[11] http://www.cyf.govt.nz/

[12] http://www.cyf.govt.nz/1848.htm

[13] http://www.cyf.govt.nz/disclosedabuse.htm

[14] http://www.cyf.govt.nz/2177.htm

[15] http://www.cyf.govt.nz/documents/CYF_24_AboutUsBrochure.pdf

[16] http://www.cyf.govt.nz/1254.htm

[17] http://www.cyf.govt.nz/documents/CYF_31_CareProtectionBrochu
re.pdf

[18] http://www.dsac.org.nz/liaisonDirectory/DSAC%20Liaison%20Dir
ectory%20-%202003-2004.pdf

[19] http://www.dsac.org.nz/patient/doctor.html

[20] http://www.acc.co.nz/making-a-claim/what-support-can-i-get/r
egistered-counsellors/index.htm

[21] http://www.cab.org.nz/contact/index.html

[22] http://www.dsac.org.nz/patient/surviving.html

[23] http://www.dsac.org.nz/patient/children.html

[24] http://www.areyouok.org.nz/home.php

[25] http://www.areyouok.org.nz/publications.php

[26] http://www.areyouok.org.nz/files/test/resources/AreYouOK_Boo
klet.pdf

[27] http://www.areyouok.org.nz/files/test/resources/ITSNOTOKmini
pamphlet.pdf

[28] http://www.areyouok.org.nz/files/test/resources/Final-Mens-b
ooklet.pdf

[29] http://www.areyouok.org.nz/files/test/resources/Final-Childr
ens-booklet.pdf

[30] http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/

[31] http://www.youthlaw.co.nz/page/Domestic+Violence

[32] http://www.womensrefuge.org.nz/index.cfm?objectid=0CFAF1F3-1
321-AE99-69A5E4CCA52EB223

[33] http://www.police.govt.nz/safety/home.domesticviolence.html

[34] http://www.courts.govt.nz/family/what-familycourt-does/relat
ionships/domestic-violence.asp

[35] http://www.womensrefuge.org.nz/index.cfm?objectid=0CFAF03D-1
321-AE99-69DCE6497B619316

[36] http://www.courts.govt.nz/family/about/default.asp

[37] http://www.womensrefuge.org.nz/index.cfm?objectid=0CFAF222-1
321-AE99-691F95B63FC34C72

[38] http://www.acc.co.nz/making-a-claim/what-support-can-i-get/r
egistered-counsellors/index.htm

[39] http://www.acc.co.nz/contact-us-and-feedback/index.htm

[40] http://www.barnardos.org.nz/ContactUs/Locations.asp

[41] http://www.cab.org.nz/contact/index.html

[42] http://www.cab.org.nz/bureaux/multi-lingual.html

[43] http://www.cyf.govt.nz/documents/CYF_24_AboutUsBrochure.pdf

[44] http://www.cyf.govt.nz/Brochures.htm

[45] http://www.courts.govt.nz/family/what-familycourt-does/relat
ionships/domestic-violence.asp

[46] http://www.police.govt.nz/district/phonebook.html

[47] http://www.police.govt.nz/service/111/index.html

[48] http://www.police.govt.nz/service/yes/index.html

[49] http://www.victimsupport.org.nz/contactus.asp

[50] http://www.womensrefuge.org.nz/index.cfm?objectid=0CFAF59C-1
321-AE99-69B6370FA1355618

[51] http://www.womensrefuge.org.nz/index.cfm?objectid=0CFAF01E-1
321-AE99-69956C4A39EC0BFA

[52] http://www.youngnz.org.nz/our-organisation.html

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Endorsement

This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 27/06/2009

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 - 2010

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

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