Teachers tackled New Zealand's high child abuse rate during a child protection training course in Riverton yesterday.

Child Matters trainer Julie Peake said children were still falling between the cracks because teachers and healthcare workers were not always given enough training to recognise the signs.

"I think there needs to be some more work done. We believe it's everybody's responsibility to keep children safe."

The one-day course was an introduction for frontline staff, including teachers, to show them what to look for, where to go for help, and just how bad child abuse was in New Zealand, she said.

Child Matters believes New Zealand has the fifth highest rate of child abuse in the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) and estimates it costs the country about $2 billion each year.

On average, one child is killed every five weeks by abuse in New Zealand, most of them preschoolers.

Ms Peake said the high number of teachers at the course was a positive sign, and she was pleased Riverton Community Charitable Trust funding had allowed so many to go.

Pupils at Aparima College were given a day off yesterday so all staff could attend the training. Teachers from other Riverton education centres would attend today.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Comments