Oranga Tamariki – Identify abuse

Oranga Tamariki – Some of the signs

Physical signs such as:

  • Unexplained bruises, welts, cuts and abrasions
  • Unexplained fractures or dislocations
  • Burn marks

Other signs:

  • No clear explanation for any of the above
  • Behavioural concerns such as emotional withdrawal, aggression or anxiety
  • Developmental delays, changes or signs
  • The child talking about or subtly mentioning things that may indicate abuse
  • Parents seeming stressed or not coping on the money they have
  • Drug or alcohol problems
  • Parents not having friends or family to help
  • Adults hitting or yelling
  • Mental health problems
  • Children are left home alone or seem to be neglected
  • Children routinely not going to school

Ask yourself these questions

  • Is the child’s behaviour a sign of abuse or neglect, or are there other things going on in the family that could affect them?
  • How is the child’s behaviour?
  • How is the child’s development?
  • Has the child or family hinted at, or said that something is wrong?
  • Are there signs of family violence?
  • Do I sense the family is struggling, or the child is at risk in some way?