“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” – Nelson Mandela

There is a commonly used phrase in education It takes a village to raise a child!This reflects on the responsibility the wider family and community have in ensuring our children are safe, well nourished, and educated.

There is a role for everyone in protecting children. Each week our firm is dealing with situations where children are exposed to or living in at risk situations. As a Lawyer appointed by the Court to advocate for children and represent them in proceedings that are before the Court, I am concerned at the number of children who are at serious risk and in need of care and protection.

Often neighbours see the neglect and abuse of children, or more importantly the symptoms. Parents can often be negligent - not necessarily on purpose but by just not thinking clearly or having appropriate skills.Few are trained to be a parent, but the arrival of a baby should change the dynamics in adult behaviours.Some parents have difficulty adjusting to their new role as provider, carer and mentor to their young children. Partying all night and/or day; children left on their own,conflict and family violence are all too common. The home environment has to be right to raise responsible healthy children.

Todays society is very aware of privacy. Often neighbours dont want to share their personal problems but sometimes those problems spill over into the street or dominate their lives so much that they become the subject of neighbourhood concern.

Personal problems and/or relationship problems inside a family can quickly deteriorate into violent and abusive behaviour. Excessive alcohol, financial worries or lost employment can also manifest themselves into violence violence which is perpetrated toward or in front of children.

A lot of family violence is hidden. Research confirms that children who witness violence as a norm are much more likely to be violent themselves in later life.Their cognitive development can also be affected/

Here are some facts:-

New Zealand has the fifth-highest rate of child abuse in the OECD. A 2003 UNICEF report reported that New Zealand has one of the highest rates of child death from maltreatment (physical abuse and neglect) among rich OECD countries. NZ ranked 25th on a league table of 27 countries with 1.2 deaths per 100,000 children. NZ Police respond to one family violence call every seven minutes. Police say that in 60% of domestic violence cases children are also being abused. Research shows the police only hear about 20% of all family violence incidents and 10% of sexual violence offences. Rates of child abuse in New Zealand have risen by 32% in the last five years, with instances happening to children who are already in the care of the State.

This is not data to be proud of. The Police can help in these situations but they can only help if they are informed of a problem arising.This is where neighbours can help.A precautionary telephone call to the Police or a mutual friend or community / social worker could be lifeline for victims of violence or abuse.It is not alright to turn your back and walk away, or ignore what you see.The community has a responsibility to look, listen, monitor behaviours and protect vulnerable people (especially children).

It is not interfering to notify authorities. If you are worried about anonymity, notifications can be made confidentially no name or address or phone number. Talk to other neighbours about your concerns. If you agree there is a concern, something must be done. Do it!

Violence and abuse are community problems, not Police problems. Sadly, in some communities violence is endemic. Every community has to watch out for its people, its children, and ensure they are safe.We dont want a Nia Glassie type horror story to occur in the Horowhenua.

Its time for the soul of our community to focus on taking better care, oversight and protection of the children living within it.