Wairarapa Family Violence Network co-ordinator Gerry Brooking said the figures showed more people were seeking help.
"More reporting doesn't mean more abuse," she said. "Often in the past people have wanted to say or do something but haven't known how. There used to be the whole 'if it's happening next door it's not your business'.
"Now we're seeing more reporting from friends, family members and neighbours. There is certainly more people wanting to help and more people asking for help."
Ms Brooking said it was great to have increased reports. "More reporting is a good thing. People are on the same page that violence is not okay, particularly violence and abuse towards children.
"Situations involving low-level violence that people might have ignored previously are now being dealt with. People know there are services that are able to help and are confident in knowing that it's okay to ask for help."
Nationally, more than 700,000 notifications of abuse were made to Child, Youth and Family in the
Reports of child abuse hit 5-year high
past five financial years.
Evidence of abuse was found in more than 100,000 of the cases. An additional 180,000 cases highlighted concern for the care and protection of the child and required further action.
The number of referrals peaked in the 2012 financial year at 152,407. More cases had evidence of abuse and needed further action in 2013, however.
Last year, the service received 146,657 referrals. Further action was required in 54,065 cases -- 19,623 of which included substantiated abuse.
Almost half of referrals were made by police following a family violence callout in which children or young people were involved. Referrals also came from court, education and health officials, as well as other police and family members.
Child, Youth and Family deputy chief executive Bernadine Mackenzie said the department was focused on creating community environments where abuse and neglect of children and young people wasn't tolerated.
"Child, Youth and Family always works with the best interests of the child or young person in mind," she said.
The passing of the Vulnerable Children Bill in July last year meant agencies that worked with children now had to have policies around how to recognise suspected child abuse and neglect, she said.
"This is supported by a code of practice that makes it clear that everyone working with children has a responsibility to report suspected abuse or neglect."
When a report of concern was received, the agency's first step was to determine if further action was required, Ms Mackenzie said.
In cases where the need for further action was identified, the agency would assess the situation and carry out investigations where appropriate, she said.
It would always investigate cases that involved serious physical abuse, sexual abuse, serious neglect, or a child or young person witnessing serious abuse.
If further action wasn't required, the case might be referred to other avenues of advice and support for the family involved, she said.
If you or someone you know is being abused, contact:
Police: 111
Crimestoppers: anonymously, on 0800 555 111
Child, Youth and Family: 0508 326 459
Family Violence Information Line: 0800 456 450
Women's Refuge Helpline: 0800 REFUGE
