Child abuse figures up

The number of child abuse cases investigated by welfare authorities has increased significantly since 2000, says the National Party.

MP Anne Tolley released official figures showing cases of emotional abuse rose from 78 in December 2000 to 479 last December.

Sexual abuse cases increased from 12 to 58 for Maori children and 15 to 50 for Pakeha children.

She said substantiated cases of abuse totalled 13,000 last year, up from 6000 in the year 2000.

The minister in charge of the Child, Youth and Family Department, Ruth Dyson, said the work CYF had been doing and increased awareness of family violence had resulted in more people making notifications.