Headlines proclaiming 'New Zealand has the second highest rate of child abuse deaths in the OECD, with a child killed every five weeks,' don't make me proud to be a Kiwi.
With more than 200 children aged 0-14 years reportedly having died of abuse, maltreatment or neglect in New Zealandsince 1992, our record is shameful.
New research highlights the prevalence of parental alcohol and other drug use, and the devastating impact this has on children. Parents 'wasted' and preoccupied with their substance use are not able to provide the care and attention that young people need.
Nor are they likely to be emotionally available, provide a nurturing environment, communicate positively with their kids, and ensure monitoring of their activities and general discipline.
Kids from these families are more likely to go on to misuse substances themselves, and this cycle of child abuse and neglect repeat for further generations.
The elephant in the room is the reluctance and ability of many agencies to address such substance use by parents. Worse still is the fact that whanau and friends know what is going on - and fail to address it.
Kids are safer when parents (and caregivers) are sober and able to provide the care and attention their kids need.
