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If you or someone you know has experienced abuse in state care, you're not alone. Our repo

Reporting Abuse

What is Abuse

​​Abuse is a broad term that covers various ways of harming or mistreating someone, often by someone who has power or control over them.  Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, financial, or neglectful. It can happen in any setting, such as home, work, school, or public places. Abuse is often a pattern of behavior that repeats over time, creating a cycle of fear, guilt, and shame. 

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Abuse is not always easy to recognize or report. Many victims may feel ashamed, confused, or afraid to seek help. Some may not realize they are being abused or may blame themselves for the abuse. Abuse is never the victim's fault. There are many resources and support services available for victims of abuse, such as hotlines, shelters, counselors, and advocates. No one deserves to be abused.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

What is Child Abuse

Child abuse includes:

  • Intentional harm or mistreatment of a child under age 18, which is a criminal offense.

  • Causing injury, death, emotional harm, or risk of serious harm to a child.

  • Willful infliction of pain and suffering on children (including excessive discipline).

  • Physical, sexual, emotional, and/or psychological maltreatment.

  • Neglect - not providing for a child’s basic needs.​

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For more information on child abuse, check out these resources:

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Many people fail to report abuse in case their suspicions are wrong. People who report suspected abuse are protected by the law.  Section 16 of the Children, Young Persons and Their Families Act (1989) protects people who notify concerns of abuse in good faith from civil and criminal proceedings.

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If you’ve experienced abuse or suspect it, there are several steps you can take to report it and seek support. Whether it's through your primary care provider, educational institutions, or health services, understanding how to report and where to get help is crucial. Below are resources and contacts to guide you through the process.

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If you're worried a child is being abused, please report your suspicions so authorities can investigate.

Police and Oranga Tamariki would rather know about your suspicions so they can investigate, even if you’re worried you might be wrong. The roles and responsibility of Police and Oranga Tamariki–Ministry for Children are governed by a shared Child Protection Protocol and Memorandum of Understanding. Child Abuse is dealt with by specialist Police Officers who work alongside Oranga Tamariki–Ministry for Children to investigate concerns of abuse. Early intervention by child protection services reduces harm to victims before the abuse has the opportunity to escalate. Many people have well founded suspicions that a child may be suffering abuse and fail to act Police and Oranga Tamariki–Ministry for Children would rather know about your suspicions and be able to make their own assessment of the child's safety than not to hear at all.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Reporting abuse to the Police

 

If you are a survivor of abuse in state care or faith-based care, consider making a report to the police, even if you do not wish to prosecute, or feel it has been too long. You can report any instance of abuse, whether it occurred recently or in the past. There is no statute of limitations on reporting,

How? You can visit your local police station in person or contact the police through the non-emergency number, 105. Alternatively, you can make a report online via the NZ Police website. 

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Once you make a report, a specialist will be assigned to investigate your case. The police may conduct interviews and gather evidence to build a case.

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Here are some resources for anyone who has experienced abuse:

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Making a report, is separate to making a claim for abuse sustained in care.
For more information on making a Historic Claim - Click Here.​​​​​​​​​​​

Reporting abuse to Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children​

 

If you suspect a child is being harmed, it's important to take action. Whether you're concerned about physical, emotional, or any other form of abuse, your report can help ensure the safety and well-being of a child. All reports are taken seriously, and Oranga Tamariki is committed to providing support and protection for those in need.

Reporting abuse to Your Primary Care Provider

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If abuse occurs in an educational facility or by a health provider, it’s important to report it immediately. Educational institutions and health services have systems in place to handle complaints and ensure your safety. You can contact school administration or health service providers directly or seek support from advocacy services.

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Putting your complaint in writing can be a necessary step in establishing it as a formal complaint and even if a written complaint does not directly resolve the problem, it is a useful record of the facts if you decide to take your complaint further

  • ​If you have a complaint or dispute with a business or organisation, and you could not resolve it by talking to them, putting your complaint in writing makes it more formal.​

  • How do I make a written or formal complaint? | Citizens Advice Bureau 

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Suspected abuse of a child should also be reported to Oranga Tamariki and/or the NZ Police.

Oranga Tamariki and the NZ Police are able to investigate allegations and hold offenders accountable.​

Please note: this includes for abuse at all other youth related activities and facilities.

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For health providers, refer to Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand.

Complaints about health and disability services can be addressed with the provider or the Ministry of Health

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If you're not satisfied with the outcome, you can escalate the complaint to the Health and Disability Commissioner

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You can also get support during this process from a free health and disability advocate:​

  • The Advocacy Process | Nationwide Health and Disability Advocacy Service

  • Email: advocacy@hdc.org.nz

  • Phone: 0800 855 050​​​​​

For reports of abuse that are not followed up or happened within Oranga Tamariki care - you have a few options:

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For Claims of abuse while in care: 

You can complain to the police and to Oranga Tamariki directly

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For complaints in which you have not be satisfied by the outcome:
You can make a complaint directly to Oranga Tamariki

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If this does not resolve your complaint:

You can report these to the Ombudsmen

The Ombudsman is responsible for investigating complaints about government agencies, including those related to state care. They can conduct independent inquiries; help address systemic issues and ensure accountability for the treatment of survivors in care. 

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The Ombudsman is independent from both government and the public.

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Before making the complaint, you should work out exactly what your concerns are.

  • the clearer your complaint is, the more likely it is that they can assist you to get it resolved.

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The Ombudsman will ask you if you have first tried to resolve the matter with Oranga Tamariki directly and will consider whether you have any other remedy available.​

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The Ombudsman will likely ask for this information:

  • clear information about what you think Oranga Tamariki has done wrong

  • what outcome you are hoping to achieve

  • copies of your complaint to Oranga Tamariki and its response

  • any other relevant correspondence.

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