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Archived Press Releases 2007 8th August 2007

CHILD ABUSE – NOW WE KNOW THE PROBLEM

(8th August 2007)

The Sensible Sentencing Trust says they are appalled that two parliamentary Select Committees and many politicians chose to ignore the child-abuse vigil held around the country at midday today.

This Wednesday the whole Country will have the opportunity to show that Nia will not be just another Lillybing or James Whakaruru or one of the many children that have died from being violently abused.

The Trust was one of three organizations that helped organize the nationwide three minutes silence to express frustration at the level of child abuse in New Zealand.

Trust spokesman Garth McVicar said, "At least people will now know that a big part of this problem is Parliament itself - their refusal to take part in the vigil today is appalling."

Mr McVicar said the response around the country was phenomenal. "This was very much an impromptu event, it was an opportunity for people to reflect on the horrific suffering of many of our children, and think about the future of this country – and their responsibility in that future."

"People from one end of the country to the other sent a loud clear message today, we are not prepared to turn a blind eye to child abuse any longer, little Nia will not go down in history as just another statistic, she will be remembered as the one that finally motivated the community to show some leadership."

"Sadly that leadership will not come from Parliament."

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.