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MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
31 July 2007

Children's Safety is the Whole Community's Responsibility

Liz Kinley, Joint CEO of Jigsaw says that the safety of New Zealand's children is not just the parents' responsibility. It is the whole community's responsibility to help a child if they are in a potentially harmful or dangerous situation.

Ms Kinley statement follows the shocking story about three year old Nia Glassie who has allegedly been put in a clothes dryer and hung on a clothes line.

It is unclear whether the neighbors notified the authorities about this particular situation, but Ms Kinley says that it is important for all of us to speak out whenever we witness a child being ill treated or suspect a child in our neighborhood or community is being hurt or neglected.

"Traditionally many New Zealanders have turned a blind eye when they have witnessed child abuse in their community or have felt that they have no right to interfere in the way that other parents or families bring up their children. This is wrong. Children's wellbeing and safety is all of our business and we all share responsibility for taking action if we suspect that a child may be being hurt"

Ms Kinley understands that people may feel uncomfortable about talking about child abuse or worried about what will happen if they ask for help on behalf of a child but says there are a range of options as to how to report it.

"Coming to grips with the reality of child abuse is a difficult task for our society, but there are many organisations that can help. Jigsaw has an 0800 help line that the public can contact to get advice on concerns they have about child abuse (0800 228 737). Alternatively or when there are fears that a child is being seriously harmed people can contact Child, Youth and Family or the Police".

"The most important thing is that when people think a child may be being hurt, they get advice on what to do or report it to someone that can take action to make the child safe".

ENDS

For further information, please contact
Liz Kinley - Jigsaw CEO Strategic Operations on 027 230 3312,
or Brad Houlahan - Communications Advisor on 027 305 2203