UNICEF NZ: Press release; 23 June 2010

Child Abuse Reporting Shows New Zealanders Are Taking Responsibility

“There has been a considerable amount of public and media attention to the matter of child abuse over recent years. I believe that the high degree of debate concerning the amendment to Section 59 of the Crimes Act raised consciousness and promoted awareness of the need for children to be protected from assault” said Dennis McKinlay, Executive Director of UNICEF NZ today.

Mr McKinlay was responding to information reported to the Social Services Select Committee by Minister Paula Bennet that reports of child abuse have risen 119% in the last five years and are expected to increase.

He added that it was well evidenced that many cases of assault on children begin in the name of discipline.

Mr McKinlay was referring to a law change in 2007 that removed the defence of reasonable force for the purpose of disciplining children. A review of the law in late 2009 found that it was working as intended and that parents were not being unfairly investigated.

“What seems like a monumental problem in New Zealand will only be solved if families and communities stand up for all children’s right to be protected from violence, abuse and neglect” he said. “What was previously a hidden disgrace is now out there for us to see and deal with”

“Acting to protect children from harm is the duty of every adult in New Zealand” he said “Child abuse is being taken seriously and people are obviously taking more responsibility to report to authorities” said Dennis McKinlay,

He said that it was pleasing to see that Child Youth and Family believed that they were on top of the problem but added “The true measure of success in dealing with child abuse will be when those appalling statistics of children hurt, hospitalised and traumatised through abuse are genuinely reduced and children can be safe in their homes and within their communities”.

“New Zealand features poorly among the countries of the developed world for child abuse. The fact that children here now have legal protection from assault in all circumstances is a milestone for child protection. It sends a clear signal that children’s safety, dignity and protection is high on our nation’s agenda and is an emphatic message in support of children’s right to protection from any form of violence”

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