“A child being assaulted can be an indictor of further violence against other family members.”
He said past behaviour was one of the best guides to future behaviour.
“Past violence to a partner or their children is probably the best risk indicator and that is why police brought in the Family Violence Information Disclosure Scheme (FVIDS).
“It allows police to disclose personal information to a third party where there is serious threat to safety from family violence.”
Det Inspector Scott said education can be a part of solving the child abuse problem.
“You can edcuate a parent about the risks of sleeping next to their baby in bed. But as soon as they start drinking and taking drugs that awareness can go out the window.”
Det Inspector Scott said parents must take responsibility for their children.
“Parents need to have their children’s welfare as the major priority in their life. However, there are people who do have issues and need support.
“Also those agencies cannot be there 24/7 so people with issues need their whanau and friends to be supportive.”
He encourages people who know about cases of child abuse or family violence in general to come forward.
“It’s better that they not wait till things get to the point where police need to be called. If you see things are wrong then encourage or take the person affected to an agency for help.”
Contact police directly or the CrimeStoppers number (0800 555 111) if you think a family needs support.
