Child Protection

The effects of abuse and neglect  can be very harmful and may last a lifetime. Every child deserves to feel safe and have their needs met. It is crucial that everyone keeps an eye out for the children in our community. Find out what to do if you are worried about a child, or if you are affected by family violence. There is also a helpful directory of organisations which offer information and support. 

Child and parent hands together

© Mike_kiev | Dreamstime.com - Child and parent hands together

Preventing Child Abuse

The effects of abuse and neglect can be very harmful and may last a lifetime. All tamariki deserve to feel safe and have their needs met. It is crucial that everyone keeps an eye out for the children in our community. 

Child Abuse - Worried About A Child?

Find out who to contact if you are worried about the safety of a child or suspect abuse. 

Sexual Behaviour In Children & Young People

It is natural for tamariki to express their sexuality and their interest in the differences between the genders through their behaviour. How they do this depends on their stage of development. It is important to understand the difference between normal sexual behaviour and behaviour outside the expected range in each age group.

How To Talk To & Support Your Child Or Pre-Teen Around Pornography

Many children come across porn and online sexual images now, whether it’s by accident, a friend has shown them, or because they’re curious. Sexual content is now featured across many mainstream social media platforms and often easier to find than avoid. Over a quarter of children have seen porn by age 12. Having simple and age-appropriate conversations around porn and online sexual content with children is a great way to help protect and prepare them to navigate their online world.

How To Talk To & Support Your Teenager Around Pornography

The online world is changing rapidly, and chances are most teenagers will see, or have seen, pornography (porn) either on porn sites or across mainstream social media platforms. Talking about porn can feel awkward at first, but young people tell us that they want, and need, better porn conversations and support from adults.

How To Talk To Your Child About Sex

Talking with your child about sex can be difficult but it's important. If you want to be involved in shaping your child's ideas and attitudes about sex, start these conversations early.

Sore Bottoms In Young Girls

Some parents worry that a sore red bottom may be caused by sexual abuse.  Although that is a possibility, it is not the usual reason and there are lots of other things that are much more likely causes of a sore red bottom.

Family Violence

Many families in Aotearoa are affected by family violence.  Help is available. If you or your tamariki are affected by family violence, call the Family Violence Information Line on 0800 456 450, or Shine's national helpline on 0508 74 46 33.

Never Ever Shake A Baby

It is normal for babies to cry, and it's normal for caregivers to get frustrated. Have a plan for what you will do if your pēpi keeps crying and you become upset or frustrated. It is never ever OK to shake a baby. Make sure that all the people who care for your pēpi know this. Never leave your pēpi alone with anyone that you think might lose control.

Listing Of Information, Support & Resources on Child Abuse

A listing of New Zealand organisations, resources, helplines and counselling services aimed at preventing harm to children, or which can offer help when family violence or abuse has occurred.