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Help For Children
In this section we will attempt to answer some of the early questions that you may have.

What is child sexual abuse or assault?
Sexual abuse, assault and rape all involve an older person imposing sexual acts on a child. Sexual assault and rape often involve the use ot physical force, and may happen on only one occasion. Sexual abuse is more likely to be repeated over a period of time.

All involve misuse of an older person's power over a child. A child is not equal in physical strength or understanding, and can not legally give consent Child sexual abuse, assault, and rape are all criminal oftences.

What children are at risk?
Any child, boy or girl, from any background of any age, can be a victim. Children who have less chance to tell are most at risk - for example, children who are very young, have some handicap, or who lack close family support or supervision.

What sort of person does this to children?
Most child victims are sexually abused by a close family member or by some other trusted adult. Most, but not all, abusers are male. Rape and sexual assault may involve either a person known to the child or a stranger.

What help is needed?

Help to stop sexual abuse
Caring adults need to listen to, and to take seriously any possibility of sexual abuse or assault of a child.

Help for physical problems
The child may suffer physical injury or contract a sexually transmitted disease. The adolescent girl is at risk of pregnancy.

Help for emotional problems
All children who have been sexually abused, assaulted or raped, should be offered counselling help. Those who do not receive this help in childhood may well need counselling later in life.

Who can give this help?

Protection and intervention
The DSW and the police have legal powers to protect the child.

Physical care
The reason for a medical examination is to find and treat any problems. Often there are none, but reassurance is very important. It can be essential as the first step in the healing process. Medical examination of the children very seldom requires the use of instruments.

Emotional care
Trained counsellors are available, and the ACC will usually pay the cost. Families and caregivers, and local support groups can also help.

Sexual abuse is a hidden problem, If this has happened to you:

  • you are not alone. Many people have shared your problems and understand.
  • you live in a society that does not accept the abuse of children by adults.
  • Telling is often difficult. It ig best to tell a trusted adult or older friend.
  • It is always important to seek help, even if it happened a long time ago. Obstructive feelings can remain.
  • If you are not sure what to do, any of the organisations listed in this brochure will tell you what choices and rights you have.

If this is happening in your family

there is professional help available for any member of your family.

why try to deal with it alone, or to 'keep it in the family'? Keeping a child safe is a huge responsibility.

If you suspect a child you know is at risk

  • act on behalf of the child. You may be the only person who can help.
  • No-one can be sure of all the facts. The police and the DSW know this, and if you act in good faith, you are legally protected. Your information will be added to any they already have. It could make all the difference.

Where to seek help Seek medical help or advice from:

  • your family doctor, or
  • a DSAC doctor

A child should be examined by a doctor with special training and experience in this work. Any OSAC co ordinator will be able to refer you to such a doctor in ydur area. OSAC co-ordinators are listed on the back of this brochure. So is our office number. You are very welcome to call us for help if you need it.

Seek help or advice on child protection
from your local Department of Social Welfare (DSW). Special social workers are trained to help with child abuse.

Seek help or advice on Intervention
from the OSW or your local police. A sexual abuse team is run by many police units and DSW social workers acting together. The team will help.

Seek help or advice on counselling
from HELP centres, rape crisis centres, and the ACC.
These organisations have specific counselling centres, and child and family units. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau has a list of them, and will be able to help you.

DSAC Office

Office Location: Unit 5/4 Warnock Street
Grey Lynn Auckland Postal Address: PO Box 90 723 Auckland

Telephone: (+64 9) 376 1422
Facsimile: (+64 9) 376 0790