New Zealanders urged to ‘just do one thing’ to take action against child abuse

Child abuse prevention organisation, Child Matters, today launched the booklet, How Can I Tell? – an educational resource available to the public to help people know what to look for and know what to do.

Chief Executive of the national organisation, Anthea Simcock, says the resource is a much-needed tool in our communities.

“The Government is talking about making reporting of suspected child abuse mandatory. What we need to realise, however, is that there’s a critical first step that must happen before you report – that’s education. The average person does not intrinsically know the signs of child abuse.

“That’s where this resource can make an impact. It’s a practical, easy-to-understand guide that not only educates people about the signs of child abuse, but also provides steps for taking action,” explains Mrs Simcock.

Child Matters is the only organisation in New Zealand solely focused on child abuse prevention. It works to prevent child abuse by speaking up for New Zealand children, while also educating adults to know what to look for and know what to do.

Mrs Simcock says every adult has the power to make a positive impact on the rates of child abuse in their communities.

“Children cannot stop child abuse - adults can. And, Child Matters believes every adult can make a difference by doing just one thing. Why not make that ‘one thing’ getting this book and arming yourself with vital information you may need one day to save a child from an abusive situation?” urges Mrs Simcock.

The How Can I Tell? booklet is in its fourth print. However, this new edition is different in that it has been re-designed specifically for public readership. 

The tool – known to many social organisations as The Little Blue Book – will also continue to be used by people working in agencies such as CYF, the Police, schools and healthcare organisations. 40,000 copies of the previous booklets have been distributed since 2009

“Just as you have a first aid kit or a smoke alarm in your home, ‘just in case’ - Child Matters strongly believes each home should have this guide in their home just in case,” says Mrs Simcock.

Child Matters Chairman and business philanthropist, Neil Richardson, financed the development of the public edition of the How Can I Tell? booklet. He says he supported development of the tool because he is passionate about the community’s responsibility to identify and stop child abuse.

“As adults, we don’t own this planet - we hold it in trust for future generations. Every time an incident of child abuse happens, we breach that trust. Every New Zealand adult must take responsibility for identifying, reporting and stopping all forms of abuse. Reading this educational resource is a great first step each of us can take,” explains Mr Richardson.

The How Can I Tell? booklet is available for free viewing on the home page of Child Matters’ website: www.childmatters.org.nz.  Or people can order hard copies from the website for $2. 

About Child Matters:

Child Matters is the only organisation in New Zealand solely focused on child abuse prevention. It works to prevent child abuse by 1) speaking up for New Zealand children; and 2) educating adults to identify child abuse and take the appropriate action. Child Matters is a catalyst in communities, working to connect organisations and build leaders who are making positive impacts on child abuse prevention. Child Matters is an independent charitable trust with a cross sector view and influence around child abuse in New Zealand.  It has links to all organisations who work with children and enables them to tackle the issue of child abuse in their local communities. Every adult in New Zealand is affected in some way by child abuse and, therefore, Child Matters believes every adult has a role to play in protecting children.  Its child abuse prevention educational programmes are a powerful solution. Child Matters believes child abuse prevention education must be made compulsory for all key organisations working with children.  Child Matters works with a range of organisations to educate their staff to identify child abuse and take the appropriate action.  It encourages organisations to adopt a child abuse prevention education and staff wellness programme to demonstrate they take child abuse prevention seriously. Child Matters operates nationally. For more information, visit: www.childmatters.org.nz

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