Centre to help victims of abuse and neglect

Child, Youth and Family, Counties Manukau District Health Board and the police are joining forces to create the country's first multi-agency centre for victims of abuse and neglect.

The centre, due to open in Manukau in April, will cater for both children and adults who have been sexually or physically abused, or neglected.

Counties Manukau crime manager Detective Inspector John Tims said the agencies would ensure victims received appropriate health, forensic and psychological support.

"The staff at the centre will be highly trained and professional. Our priority is to the victims and providing them with the highest level of service," he said.

"Complainants will be able to come to the centre and access the services they require and there will be a strong connection with the community and community agencies to support the complainants."

More than 40 police will be stationed at the centre with specialist interviewers, investigators and a child exploitation team.

Mr Tims said there were more than 12,000 family violence incidents in Counties Manukau every year.

CYF northern regional director Marion Heeney said psychologists and social workers would deal with acute emotional trauma.

"Together we can ensure children affected by abuse receive a more holistic, joined-up and age-appropriate service and that nobody slips through the cracks," she said.

Counties Manukau DHB chief executive Geraint Martin said the centre was an important opportunity to enhance services in the area.

- NZPA