What should you do if you suspect abuse?
 

If it's an Emergency
 

If it’s an emergency and you suspect a child is at serious risk, or a crime against a child has been committed this must be reported.
 

IN AN EMERGENCY CALL 111
 

Or call Crimestoppers 0800555111
(completely anonymous but information will be passed onto police without knowing your details)
 

“we can’t standby and ignore child abuse but we understand that it can be difficult to provide the information publicly. However, anonymity via Crimestoppers empowers.....”
 

When it's not an Emergency
 

Taking action to protect a child doesn't always mean extreme measures. There are lots of things you can do which may help to prevent abuse even occurring or stop it very early.
 

1. STEP UP - Do something personally to help
 

Learn to recognise the signs

Provide a listening ear

Offer help or babysit for a stressed parent
Give helpful or supportive information
Explain that violence is not OK
Talk it over with an experienced person
To learn how to prevent harm to children, contact Child Matters 07 838 3370.

To talk over your concerns confidentially you can call CYF for advice on 0508 326 459
 

2. STEP OUT – Look for community support for the family
 

Connect the family or child with local community agencies
Learn more about child abuse and how to prevent it
 

There are lots of agencies that can help families:
 

Barnardos for support for families
Parentline for parenting services and programmes
Family Start for support for young families
 

3. SPEAK UP - Report your concerns if...
 

You are still concerned about the safety of the child, or if Steps 1 and 2 are not appropriate in your situation Call Child Youth and Family 0508 326 459, or Call the Crimestoppers Hotline 0800555111 or Call your local Police Station


A message from www.panic.org.nz
 

We at PANIC (www.panic.org.nz) have probably 10% of our clients come to us as a result of false notifications.

Narking is admirable in the names of our children, there are also many false reports going through at the moment - the numbers from CYF show it well also.

This is the damage that spreads out, like the stone that drops onto the peaceful lake, sends rings of water, outward and outward still.

Please think before you make that call, think about whom this is all about, the children. Contact us at PANIC and verify what you are seeing if you wish. www.panic.org.nz