Child advocacy group speaks out after 4-month-old baby suffers multiple fractures

The baby girl was admitted to Middlemore Hospital. Photo / Doug Sherring

A child advocacy group is encouraging people to speak up against violence towards children after a 4-month-old girl suffered 16 fractures to her body at the hands of another person.

The baby was admitted to Middlemore Hospital with fractures to her skull, multiple ribs, arms and legs - injuries police believe are consistent with physical abuse.

But with family members having closed rank, police have appealed for anyone with information to speak up.

Child Matters chief executive Jane Searle said in a statement today that violence and control by those harming children and families could affect the ability of other adults to speak up, however she believed no amount of loyalty was strong enough to justify not acting to protect a child or young person.

"At times, speaking up to protect a child or young person may require assisting Government agencies such as the Police and Oranga Tamariki with inquiries," Searle said.

"This can be frightening and difficult for some - however nothing is more important than the wellbeing and protection of our children."

Police revealed that the baby girl from Howick was injured over a period of time, not the result of one incident.

She was taken to a doctor by her family. The doctor then referred the matter to the hospital.

The baby was admitted to Middlemore Hospital on February 18.

Detective Inspector Colin Higson said police had spoken to family members but were no closer to determining who was responsible.

He urged the person who had inflicted the injuries to take responsibility.

Police were making a number of inquiries and confirmed that included interviewing the parents of the child.

However they are still hunting for answers.

"The fractures have been described by medical experts as being of varying ages and classically associated with non-accidental injury," Detective Senior Sergeant Eddie Sutherland told the Herald.

"Thankfully, the child is going to make a full recovery, however police are extremely concerned by these injuries."

Sutherland said the safety and wellbeing of the baby going forward was "paramount" and police had notified The Ministry for Children, Oranga Tamariki.

The baby was now in the agency's custody.

"Police have not yet charged anyone, however our inquiries are ongoing," said Sutherland.

"We are now urging anyone with information which can assist our investigation to do the right thing and contact police."

Oranga Tamariki South Auckland regional manager Jim Wilson confirmed the baby girl was still in the agency's custody and recovering well.

He said the baby was not known to Oranga Tamariki prior to this.

Can you help?

If you have information about how this baby girl was injured - on any occasion - please contact the police.

Information can be passed on to the Counties Manukau Child Protection Team on 09 213 8571, or anonymously through the Crimestoppers reporting line on 0800 555 111.

Members of the public can also send police a private message on Facebook by clicking here.

If you're worried about a child you are urged to contact Oranga Tamariki immediately on 0508 326 459; or email contact@mvcot.govt.nz.

If the child or young person is in immediate danger, call police on 111.