Child abuse

Updated: 7 November 2014

New Zealand has the fifth worst child abuse record out of 31 OECD Countries. More information can be found here.

Violence against children takes many forms, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse. All such abuse has a damaging effect on a child’s well-being and future development.

If you feel you or someone else is in immediate danger, call the Police on 111. If you have concerns about the safety of a child, you can call Child, Youth and Family on 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459) for advice.

Here are documents on the impact of child abuse on children:

The economic cost of child abuse and neglect in New Zealand - Summary Report

The economic cost of child abuse and neglect in New Zealand – Full report

The Ministry of Social Development’s Statistical Report includes the official statistics relating to notification and investigation of reports of child abuse.

The Children’s Action Plan is the Government’s framework for protecting children at risk of harm.

Health Select Committee inquiry into improving health outcomes and preventing child abuse