Child abuse – preventing

All tamariki deserve to feel safe and have their needs met. It's crucial that everyone keeps an eye out for the children in our community.

If you or a child are in immediate danger, call the police on 111 within Aotearoa New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries).​

• 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.

• Every child deserves to feel safe and have their needs met.
• It's crucial that everyone keeps an eye out for the tamariki in our community.
• We all have a responsibility to speak up if we're worried about a child or are concerned that they are not safe or not being cared for.
  
  

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• Call Oranga Tamariki on 0508 326 459 if you're 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.

KidsHealth NZ has a directory for child abuse information and support organisations, helplines and counselling services(external link).

• 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.

• 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 Aotearoa New Zealand (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries).