Preventing Child Abuse

Key points about preventing child abuse

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).​

• 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
• anybody who is worried that a child is being abused or neglected should call 0508 326 459
• 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 are 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 tamariki 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 cared for

What to do if you are worried that a child is being abused or neglected 

• Call Oranga Tamariki on 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
• you can choose to be anonymous when you call them if you prefer 

Check out the KidsHealth directory of information, support, helplines and resources

What to do if a child or young person discloses abuse to you

• 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

What to do if you are affected by family violence

• child abuse and intimate partner violence are closely related and commonly occur together
• if you or your tamariki 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)