4 February 2009
Media Release

Paragraph About Nia Glassie Sentencing

Preventing Violence in the Home says standing by and doing nothing creates an environment that continues to allow abuse to occur – so pick up the phone if you suspect abuse.

Today those involved in tiny Nia Glassie’s death have been sentenced. Some are guilty of the systematic cruel torture of the defenseless child and others, including Nia’s own mother, are guilty of failing to protect her despite the violent abuse they knew Nia routinely suffered.

These people are the ‘inner circle’ of those most directly involved, but what of the neighbours and other family members who saw, or suspected that Nia and her siblings were being hurt and did nothing to help them? One of the many horrific pieces of information reported about this case is that so many people knew at least part of what was going on and none of them was prepared to take any action.

Executive Director of Preventing Violence in the Home, Jane Drumm says, “Each and every adult has the responsibility to at least phone the Police or Child, Youth and Family if they are worried about someone being hurt. Standing by and doing nothing creates an environment that continues to allow abuse to occur. New Zealanders will continue to be appalled as they read about breathtaking cruelty in their daily papers, until each of us are willing to say “that is not okay” and take some form of positive action. While we hesitate to get involved, someone could be dying. It takes so little effort to pick up a phone and potentially save a life.”

If you, a friend or family member, or a neighbour may be at risk of domestic violence or child abuse, call the toll-free Preventing Violence in the Home helpline on 0508 DVHELP (0508 384 357) for advice and support, or visit our website www.preventingviolence.org.nz and if a situation is potentially dangerous, call the Police on 111.

ENDS

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