Latest from Child abuse

'Horror' tales at preschools

A child bitten by her teacher, teachers smacking children and staff smoking near pupils were among almost 250 complaints - including abuse and neglect - at early childhood education centres reported last year.

Home survivors sue Govt

Former residents of a home for troubled kids have launched a $500,000 lawsuit against the Govt for claims of physical and sexual abuse.

Internet blackmailers targeting kids

Compulsory screening for child workers

A major law change which will introduce compulsory security screening of up to 376,000 people working with children has been unanimously backed in Parliament.

Inquiry to ask how abuse went unnoticed

Australians yesterday began hearing details of how some of their most trusted organisations allowed child abuse to continue.

Woman charged with attempted murder of baby

Police have charged a woman with attempted murder after a 3-week-old baby was critically injured in Invercargill last week.

Rolf Harris' Queen portrait goes missing

Australian artist Rolf Harris's portrait of Queen Elizabeth is reportedly in art limbo, with no-one confirming its whereabouts.

Baby injury: Hospital under review

The hospital care received by an Invercargill mother just a day before her baby girl suffered critical injuries is under review.

Claire Trevett: Bennett's latest hard line right on target

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett often stands accused of taking a hard line on matters within her purview.

Push for change in sex trials

Sexual violence survivors are launching a push for alternatives to jury trials in a bid to avoid retraumatising victims.

Victim had nowhere to turn

A South Auckland woman has been raped repeatedly by her stepfather for most of her life - but has never told the police about it.

Editorial: Tough stance on abusers of children on right track

New measures to protect children from abusers are stronger and sharper than previous tepid responses.

Child safety laws tighten checks

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett announced the new measures in compulsory screening as part of a wider package aimed at addressing child abuse.

Child abuse policies 'inadequately informed' - report

Toddler murder: 'She told me not to tell'

A woman charged with murdering her godson told her biological children to lie about the incident when interviewed by police, a High Court jury heard today.

Parents fear errors among file delays

Parents battling to get their children back from state foster care are being stymied by two-month delays to get hold of their official files, a lobby group says.