Kiwis urged to take action against child abuse

Child abuse prevention organisation, Child Matters launched the booklet How Can I Tell? – an educational resource available to the public to help inform people what to do when they encounter child abuse.

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.”
Education, however, is the first critical step, Simcock said. “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,”

Child Matters is the only organisation in NZ solely focused on child abuse prevention.  It works by speaking up for NZ 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.

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.

The booklet is available for free viewing on the home page of Child Matters’ website:  www.childmatters.org.nz.  People can also order hard copies from the website for $2.