Suspect it

New Zealand children from every type of family life, race and culture are affected by abuse and neglect.

On an average day, Child Youth and Family receive 230 notifications of possible child abuse or neglect. In 2007/8, for example, Child Youth and Family received 89,461 notifications, 40,379 or which required further action. Each of those children received help because someone had the courage to report their concerns.

Reporting incidents or suspicions is essential if we are going to reduce the number of children being abused in our country.

However, most people are unsure of the signs of child abuse and neglect. Sometimes the child's behaviour seems a little unusual or different or you may be concerned at the number of injuries the child seems to receive. But can you be sure? And if you are not sure, are you just being a busybody if you notify the authorities? Will you get into trouble if you are mistaken?

Child abuse is everyone's responsibility. The child's safety must be the most important consideration. Children who are victims of abuse often cannot speak for themselves. The key is to report your suspicions and leave it to the authorities to investigate. Don't be concerned that you may be wasting the time of Child Youth and Family or the Police. They would rather deal with false alarms than have a child suffer.

If you have concerns...

  • Stay calm.
  • Believe what the child tells you or what you see. Do not interview or quiz the child.
  • Always take action in the short term to ensure the immediate safety of the child. This will mean contacting Child, Youth and Family or the Police.
  • Record your concerns and observations. Discuss the matter with someone you trust.
  • Act on your concerns. Do not leave it to someone else or hope it will not happen again. If you have spoken to the person you believe is responsible for taking action and they do nothing, take further action yourself.
  • Do not worry about wasting the time of Child, Youth and Family or the Police. They would rather deal with false alarms than have a child suffer.
  • Seek support for yourself. The situation will be stressful.

The basic rule: take action for the child's sake. Report your concerns to Child, Youth and Family or the Police.
 

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