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Archived Press Releases 2007 31st July 2007

A WAY FORWARD TO COMBAT CRIMES OF CHILD ABUSE – Te Heuheu

(31st July 2007)

Kelly Te Heuheu is the Maori Issues spokeswoman for the Sensible Sentencing Trust; she says while there has been a lot of debate on child abuse recently, very little of it offered constructive solutions.

Kelly and the Sensible Sentencing Trust are calling for a combination of initiatives that they believe will have an immediate effect on child abuse. Kelly highlights a number of problems she believes lead to child abuse – and offers solutions.

Problem : Pathetic sentences for anyone found guilty of child abuse or violent crime.

Solution : Over the top "shock" tough sentencing will go a long way in prevention of child abuse – and with no parole.

Problem : Too much idle time and benefit handouts used to buy and consume drugs and alcohol.

Solution : Immediate reintroduction of compulsory National Service Training for ALL unemployed youth – no freebie benefit handouts.

Problem : Child youth and family and police response is too slow, extremely risky and the response is too late in many child abuse cases.

Solution : Immediate response team to temporary uplift children in high risk situations on alert by police i.e.: 24/7 party and drug house while investigations are active.

Kelly also says the above initiatives must be part of a package including the following:

• A non-political commission of inquiry must be established immediately to investigate child abuse.
• Children’s refuge response team fully funded by government with medical, child care and social support. Similar to an ambulance or paramedic service.
• Media shock campaign similar to the one for road safety; Keep it in the Communities face constantly 24/7 as a daily Reminder.
• A means by where people can report abuse 24/7 should be set up, for instance an 0800 CHILD ABUSE Line.

“While the above will see an immediate reduction in child abuse we believe it is equally important to stop the blaming and excuses, being honest and taking ownership of our problems is a positive way forward to protect and safeguard our tamariki and mokopuna.”

Kelly is calling on Maori elders to show leadership, "This is a national crisis for Maoridom – more of the same will not do – Maori need leadership as never before.

Regards,

Kelly Te Heuheu
Maori Crime Issues Specialist,
Taupo Co-ordinator and Media Spokeperson
Sensible Sentencing Trust
Aotearoa
Email kteh@ihug.co.nz