Despite the public outcry about child abuse in New Zealand,
there appears to be no let up in the number of deaths as a result
of violence, according to police statistics.
During the period from June 21, 2007, to June 30, 2009, nine
deaths of children aged under-14 were recorded as murder and three
others as manslaughter, police national headquarters spokesman Jon
Neilson said.
The statistics were in line with the average for the past few
years, he said.
The most recent addition to the country's list of shame is Wanganui
two-year-old Karl Perigo-Check, who died after suffering internal
injuries on October 24.
His mother's boyfriend has been charged with the toddler's murder
and his mother also faces assault charges in relation to her son's
injuries.
Karl's father, Karl Check, is serving a 15-year minimum jail
sentence for his part in the 2007 murder of two-year-old Jhia Te
Tua during a gang clash.
On average five New Zealand children under the age of five are
killed and 45 seriously injured as a result of assault each year,
Children's Commissioner John Angus said in the office's annual
report, which was released today.
Angus, who took over the role from Cindy Kiro in May, said it
was very young babies who were most at risk of abuse.
"Their vulnerability means that almost all forms of assault can
lead to serious injury and death.
"It only takes a small slap to the head or a short shake of a baby
to do real harm," Angus said.
The figures highlighted risks that had to be heeded.
"For instance there is a particular risk when babies are left in
the care of young men who are often totally unprepared for the
stresses of a crying baby and may already have problems with anger
or alcohol abuse.
"International research has found that they often lash out in an
attempt to `silence' the child."
Also covered in the report was the office's inquiry into school
bullying.
Last month the Ombudsman's office revealed New Zealand children had
the second-highest reported incidence of bullying in nearly 40
countries surveyed in a study.
The study investigated year 5 pupils, including 5000 New
Zealanders.
The New Zealand children were reporting bullying incidents at
double the international average, it found.
The Ombudsman's investigation followed complaints about the Hutt
Valley High School board of trustees from parents over a 2007
incident, involving the violation of nine boys by six of their
classmates.
Angus said his office also investigated the issue because
bullying constantly rated as one of the biggest concerns for
children and young people.
"The safety of children at school is essential if they are to learn
while attending school."
It was disappointing to find that while many students were either
bullied or knew about others who were being bullied, most felt
there was no point in speaking out, Angus said.
"It is clear that parents and teachers need to encourage and
empower children to speak out about bullying.
"Other children who witness this also play an important role by not
condoning the behaviour. Bystanders can and do make a
difference."
The challenge was to alter the school environment rather than
focusing on the perpetrators and victims alone, he said.
Schools that worked to improve their environment, culture and ethos
were most effective, he said.
"There are ripple affects from this approach including improving
educational outcomes, self-esteem and conflict resolution skills
across the school population."
This year the Commissioner's office took about 900 calls to their
inquiry line, dealt with 1503 requests for resources and
information, delivered training to more than 250 participants
around New Zealand and held six community forums to discuss issues
relating to children and young people.
The demand for resources had almost doubled over two years, Angus
said.
