Ending violence against children
What is the issue?
Aotearoa has some of the highest recorded rates of family and sexual violence against children in the OECD. Every child has the right to feel and be safe in their own home. It is a child’s right to be protected from violence, abuse and neglect.
Why ending violence matters this election
Every child in Aotearoa has the right to grow up safe, nurtured, and free from harm. Yet New Zealand continues to face deeply concerning rates of family violence and child abuse. Tamariki and rangatahi cannot vote to reform the justice, social protection, or frontline care systems meant to keep them safe; they rely on us to vote with their protection in mind. When deciding where to place your vote this election, consider which parties are committed to funding prevention and early intervention, holding systems accountable, and breaking the intergenerational cycles of trauma that impact our most vulnerable tamariki. Make your vote count for children.
What are children saying about violence and abuse?
“What could have been done to prevent myself (from entering) the care system? Having a proper chat with the parents. Finance is a big thing. If they (CYFS) picked up on that language was a barrier to getting employment early they could have put them (parents) in language programmes instead of putting me and my sister through the system.”
- Korowai Aroha
“Living in a safe environment where everyone is treated how they want to be treated, having a trusted adult, friend or sibling to talk to when you need help with something or if you are being bullied.”
- 16-year-old boy, Mana Mokopuna
“Being able to be me without fear of being abandoned or disowned.”
- 14 year old gender diverse young person
What are the statistics?
1 child dies roughly every 5–6 weeks in New Zealand from abuse or family violence Child Matters statistics
Each year, NZ Police conduct more than 100,000 investigations relating to family violence. Nearly half of all homicides and reported violence crimes are family violence related. Child Matters statistics
In 2024 Oranga Tamariki received 95,422 reports of concern for 59,391 distinct tamariki. This was a 34.5% increase compared to 2023. Oranga Tamariki
What can be done about family violence and abuse?
Children have the right to be safe, and live free from violence and abuse. It is essential that decision-makers listen to the experiences of children and young people and take steps to ensure their right to protection from violence and abuse.
We want the Government to:
Provide support and funding to community-, Iwi- and Pacific-led prevention and healing models that are proven to work.
Collect better information about children who experience violence and abuse, so support and services work better for them and their whānau.
Help reduce poverty, make homes safer and easier to afford, and make sure families have enough money. These problems can increase the risk of family violence.
Make it easy for children and young people to get help and have a say in decisions that impact their lives.
Provide support for young people who get into trouble with the law, so they can heal from hurt and trauma. Communities, iwi, and hapū should help lead this work.
Deliver survivor led redress and implement the recommendations from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.
How can I start a conversation about it?
Make your vote count for children this election - make sure you are enrolled to vote - enrol here