By Ally Mullord
A new multi-agency centre to provide a high level of investigation and care for child abuse victims has been opened in Wellington.
Koru House was opened yesterday by Police Minister Judith Collins, who says it underlines the Government’s commitment to provide the best care and support for victims of child abuse, and to bring abusers to justice.
The centre is a joint initiative between Police, Child, Youth and Family, and the Hutt Valley District District Health Board, and follows the establishment of similar centres in Auckland, Manukau and Tauranga.
Ms Collins says New Zealand children “have a right to grow up free from abuse and violence by those who they should be able to look up to and trust”, and abused children must have “somewhere they can go”.
She says the centre will provide an integrated response to child abuse in a safe and supportive environment.
“The centre will allow one-stop access to specialised medical, forensic and psychological services, and enable investigations to be more easily co-ordinated and carried out.”
Acting Wellington District Commander Inspector Richard Chambers says the “state-of-the-art” facility will be beneficial to child abuse victims and their families.
“Child, Youth and Family, the Hutt Valley District Health Board, Relationship Services and Barnados will now be working even closer with us to serve young victims of abuse and their families,” he says.
Inspector Chambers says a total of 566 files have been investigated by the Wellington Wellington Police District Child Protection Team since its establishment in March 2010, and 165 arrests have been made.
"These statistics show the level of child abuse which exists across the Wellington District and highlights the need to ensure agencies are working closely together," he says.
3 News