In New Zealand, the incidence of child abuse is decreasing due to increased pubic awareness and growing intolerance of child abuse. Blenheim authorities are acknowledging that while reports of child abuse are on the rise, actual substantiated child abuse cases have dropped significantly by 35% since 2005. New Zealand has attributed this drop to awareness campaigns. The children’s commissioner reports that small young babies and children are the most at risk for serious injury because less force is required to seriously injure them.
Primary prevention through education and public awareness is essential to preventing child abuse.