Child abuse figures decline

Figures released from the government show that child abuse figures in New Zealand have dropped for the first time in a decade.

But despite the decrease, Social Development Minister Anne Tolley says the numbers are still appalling.


The number of children being abused in New Zealand has dropped, but the figures still remain high.

In the year ending June 2014, 16,289 children had 19,623 findings of abuse substantiated, compared to 18,595 children with 22,984 findings of abuse in the previous year.

Of the 146,657 notifications made to Child, Youth and Family, 54,065 required further action involving 43,590 children.

That was compared to 148,659 notifications in 2013 where 61,877 reports required further action in relation to 48,527 children; a drop of 4937 children.

'Let there be no doubt that our child abuse figures remain appallingly high,” says Anne, 'but it is pleasing to see the numbers going down for the first time in 10 years.”

In 2014, there were 9499 children who were emotionally abused, 3178 children who were physically abused and 1,294 children who were sexually abused.

In 2013 the corresponding figures were 11,386 children emotionally abused, 3181 physically abused and 1423 sexually abused.

Anne says good progress is being achieved in implementing the Children's Action Plan. With 30 specific measures designed to prevent abuse and neglect, it will make a real difference in reducing child abuse in this country.

'New Zealanders are becoming increasingly intolerant of abuse and neglect in their communities,” she adds.

'The more people willing to report their concerns, the better chance we'll have to keep our children safe and protected.”

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