SC child abuse escalates

Almost 370 child abuse cases were confirmed by Child, Youth and Family in South Canterbury last year, and at least a dozen people are facing criminal charges.

The number of cases also means six more care and protection social worker roles are being established within CYF in South Canterbury. Confirmed abuse rose more than 22 per cent last year, from 300 in the year to the end of June 2010, to 368 incidents of abuse in the following 12 months.

The abuse figures come as no surprise to South Canterbury CIB head Detective Sergeant Dylan Murray, as an extra detective was assigned more than 12 months ago to deal with the increasing number of investigations being handled by police locally.

Other CIB staff also have to assist the two dedicated child abuse officers.

What the abuse statistics do not include are the 212 kids referred to CYF because they have witnessed serious domestic violence.

"I think, hopefully, people are sick and tired of putting up with family violence and sexual abuse of women and children and are getting more prepared to report it," Mr Murray said.

"It has such a high public interest that people are passing the risk to the various agencies. They realise if things do go terribly wrong, and they haven't done the right thing by reporting it, then the focus goes on them.

"Look at some of those high profile child abuse cases – the focus goes on the family, the aunties, the uncles. People are generally interested in the safety of children, but our advice is that they pass the risk on to us."

Investigations by CIB staff have resulted in 12 people being before the courts in Timaru on child abuse charges at present. Some face multiple charges relating to one or more children. All the victims are aged under 16.

Mr Murray was hopeful more cases were being reported.

"I think if the protocols are there and working, people have more confidence in the response they will get from Child Youth and Family and the police, which may encourage their reporting."

CYF received 1863 notifications in South Canterbury last financial year, of which 212 were family violence referrals, CYF acting southern regional director Judy Larking said. Further action was required in 1246 cases.

"It is not clear why there has been a particular increase in South Canterbury, but anecdotally we think relocations in the wake of the Christchurch earthquake may be a contributing factor."

At the end of November there were 133 children in South Canterbury living in out-of-home placements. In the 12 months to the end of June three babies under a month old went into care.

Late last year Social Development Minister Paula Bennett announced an additional 96 social worker positions in CYF offices throughout the country. South Canterbury is getting slightly more than its share of those staff in recognition of the increase in notifications in the district.

"CYF relies on people contacting us and helping us to keep children safe and encourages anyone with a concern to call us on 0508 FAMILY."

- © Fairfax NZ News

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