This work is not for the faint hearted so you do not see people lining up to get a job in this area of social services.
Now in 2013, Sir Owen wants to hold an inquiry. This is the last thing New Zealand needs, another damn inquiry.
He doesn't have to tell us what many already know. That in recent years there have been major pieces of work undertaken that have at last gained some traction and started to see a reduction in abuse numbers.
That relevant, current data on vulnerable families is now being shared by various service providers and agencies. That these agencies are not sitting back waiting for a circuit breaker but are getting stuck in earlier.
That vulnerable families do float to the surface regularly and it is here you will find at-risk children; that early identification and intervention saves children's lives. Various credible organisations and groups continue to produce and update their enlightening reports - the Child Poverty Action Group, Salvation Army, Children's Commission and the Ministry of Social Welfare.
Their reports paint a detailed and honest picture, whether we like it or not, of the true state of vulnerable families and their children at this time.
They contain recommendations, many of which have already been implemented, and point to where things could be improved and where we need to do some things differently.
Continual community awareness raising of what child abuse looks like and how we can all play a part in its prevention must remain a priority.
Those who have successfully worked with whole families to tackle family and child abuse need to share their knowledge and skills as widely as possible. Funding for services that provide vital, timely help and support should not be pulled when times get tough. This is when we usually see an upsurge in family and child abuse.
In the past 12 months, I have spent one or two days a month in Wellington with nine people who have lived, slept and breathed family abuse most of their working lives.
They are experts in the field. They know the realities of family and child abuse and the true cost to this country. To my knowledge, none of us were approached by Sir Owen to be part of, and add value to, his inquiry. Had we, I suspect we would all have stood aside.
You have to know what you're doing in this area and most of us don't have the time to start over from scratch.
The reason we are involved as a reference group for Action on Violence within Families is because we know and trust each other. We know what we're talking about, bring real life work experience to the table and can be honest with each other about what needs to be done.
Sir Owen is right to be disgusted at the obscene number of abused children; we should collectively hang our heads in shame. But whoever told him that little has been done in the past to address the problem and identify solutions misinformed him by a mile. Our government, families, individuals and whole communities have been working hard to get on top of family and child abuse, during the past 20 years in particular.
Rather than point the finger and say "not enough has been done" why not sit with those who know what more needs to happen and see if support can be provided in those areas.
As for Sir Owen heading off to the United Nations with the inquiry's findings, what on Earth for? So the UN can point the finger "tut tutting" New Zealand. Don't bother. The UN knows there is no quick fix and abuse is often intergenerational.
I suspect the inquiry's findings, should it still carry on, will include highlighting the need for:
Committed leadership, especially within Maori family structures because the abuse of Maori children is out of all proportion to the rest of the population.
Continued focusing on changing attitudes and behaviours to eliminate all forms of violence and abuse in homes.
Developing strategies collaboratively with affected families, otherwise nothing will change permanently.
Preventing abuse fatigue in those who work in this area (often overlooked or downplayed).
Establishing and promoting best-practice guidelines to deliver services.
Identifying and knowing what the signs of a safe child are to guide investment and measure improvement.
No amount of hand wringing, report writing and inquiries will ever eliminate family and child abuse in New Zealand.
Families themselves are the key. We must work with them to take action to address issues of violence in their homes.
Change will only happen when families come first, are strong, safe and prosperous, living with a clear sense of identity.
