MEDIA RELEASE
25 July 2012

Jigsaw Backs Children’s Commissioner’s Comments Following Coroner’s Report into Kahui Case

Child abuse prevention network, Jigsaw says the Children’s Commissioner Dr Russell Wills is right when he says we all need to work harder to stand up to child abusers.

Dr Wills’ comments follow a Coroner’s report on the deaths of the Kahui twins in 2006. The Children's Commissioner is reported today as saying there needs to be societal change and New Zealanders must become intolerant of abuse against women and children.

Jigsaw Chief Executive (Strategic Relationships) Tau Huirama agrees that there needs to be a mind shift among the general public.

“Jigsaw, through its campaigns, has been encouraging all adults to speak up for vulnerable children because they cannot speak for themselves,” Tau says.

He says adults also need to make it a priority to look out for children in their communities and take responsibility to support each other more if things are not right.

“We need to start noticing if our neighbours, workmates or other parents in our communities are under stress and offer practical support to help reduce that tension,” Tau says. “It might be as simple as offering to take their kids to a sports game or helping mind the children if the parents have to attend an interview or appointment.”

Jigsaw also agrees with Dr Wills that before a system of mandatory reporting of child abuse is introduced there must be widespread training to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse.

“Jigsaw wants to see new and comprehensive training and accreditation standards for professionals working with children and whanau before any decisions are made about mandatory reporting.”

Ends

© Scoop Media