Recommendations for Child Abuse Cases “An Excellent Start”

The interim report from the enquiry into failures to resolve child abuse cases, was issued by the Independent Police Conduct Authority this week.

Anthea Simcock, CEO and founder of CPS, New Zealand’s child protection training specialist organisation says that “While the preference is that we focus on how to eliminate abuse to children, the recommendations made by the IPCA are an excellent start.”

The report included recommendations for a focus on consistency; better training, selection and supervision of police working on child abuse issues; better protocols to follow before closing files; and resources to enable a commitment to a faster processing of child abuse cases.

“Obviously we are disappointed at the extent of the problem that this report has highlighted. We have all known for some time that the system has not worked for these children. However, if the recommendations in the report are followed, this could have a major impact for abused children.” Says Mrs Simcock.

Mrs Simcock emphasises that we need to think about the wide reaching effects that the situation has on abused children.

She say “The long delays in dealing with child abuse cases can leave children in a terrible limbo. While these children may have been made safe from continuing abuse, the 5 or more years spent waiting to see if something will happen to the abuser, may equate to more than half of their lives.”

“Telling someone about their abuse is a momentous thing for a child to do. Research has shown that once a child has disclosed or acknowledged abuse, they need to know that they are believed and that something is going to happen. So these delays may have huge emotional impacts for the children involved.”

Mrs Simcock points out that children who have suffered abuse often already have feelings of worthlessness as a result of what they have suffered and been told by their abusers. Long delays can reinforce these feelings, as well as sending the message that maybe they are not believed.

Just as importantly, it may give the public and the family the message not to report their concerns.

“We are therefore very encouraged by the recommendations in the report and fully endorse them.” Mrs Simcock concludes.

CPS is a specialist Child Protection Training Organisation that operates nationally supporting those who work with children to be able to recognise and respond to child abuse. CPS’ focus is on prevention and early intervention.

To learn more about protecting children, or for information about CPS, visit www.cps.org.nz.

ENDS

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