Community Safety And The Protecting Our ... - Auckland Council

q reducing violence to women and children 3q increasing participation in early childhood education andq ensuring that children under 5 and their families have a great start in lifeGiven that both Protecting our Tamariki and Wellbeing Collaboration processes wereworking on interagency approaches to family violence prevention, both were working ondeveloping action plans and that there was significant overlap in the participation/membership of both projects, it seemed sensible that they be brought together into ashared framework. A decision was made to integrate the Protecting our Tamarikiproject with the Wellbeing Collaboration Process. What this might look like structurally 4is discussed at appendix 2. The process of integration is significant. It is consideredthe best way to ensure a cohesive and coordinated long term programme of action -both for family violence prevention and the wellbeing for under 5s in Waitakere.2. IMPORTANCE OF UNDER 5S AND GETTING IT RIGHTA few facts about violence against young children in the home:q Rates of abuse/neglect of children are higher in lower socio-economic groupsq Men are responsible for around half of the incidence of physical abuse of childrenq Physical abuse rates of children are higher with younger mothers, single parent andblended familiesq Under 2s are at special risk of injuryq There’s a strong correlation between domestic and family violence (30-60%)q Brain development is most critical in the early years of life. Abuse, neglect, andviolence can disrupt brain development and lead to lifelong emotional, social andlearning difficulties.q There were 32 assault related deaths of under 5s in New Zealand between 1993-1997, of which 70% occurred in the homeq The total cost of family violence is estimated at NZ $1.2- 5.3b per annum“Violence prevention must start as early as possible, beforeviolence is learned or reinforced – experiences prenatallyand through to 5 years of age impact the rest of anindividual’s life” 5Background research undertaken for this project has confirmed the importance offocusing and investing both in children under 5 and their whanau. So much happens inthese first few years of life!Yet preschoolers are often a hard group to reach. Services for families with youngchildren are complex, with many different government and community agenciesinvolved. Currently there is no comprehensive overview or coordinated approach forservices to the preschool age group.3 Priorities identified at a series of “Family Violence Forums” cohosted by WADCOSS, Waitakere HealthLink and WAVES were a key driver in the formation of this Call to Action.4 Discussions were still underway at the time this plan was finalised.5 From: First Steps – Taking Action Early to Prevent ViolencePAGE 3