Latest from Child abuse
Have yourself a smack-free Christmas
Along with giving the kids a doll's house, a my little pony, or whatever it is they might want this Christmas, apparently it's okay to give them a light, open-handed smack too.
PM: It's okay to give light smacks
John Key says a new review gives parents the go-ahead to lightly smack their children without the fear of prosecution.
New scheme aims to shield children from violence
Preventing two-year-olds witnessing family violence is at the heart of a new First Response pilot launched today.
Boy assaulted by mother likely to need lifelong care
A woman who inflicted head injuries to her then three-year-old son has been told he is likely to need care for the rest of his life.
Anti-smacking march may move to other cities
The organisers of a protest in Auckland against the anti-smacking legislation are threatening to take their march to other cities.
Past referenda organisers lend weight to march
Organisers of past referenda ignored by governments have lent their weight to Saturday's march over the anti-smacking referendum.
Abused ... then abused again
Almost 1800 children whose abuse or neglect was detected by social workers last year were re-abused within six months.
Mother more likely to have murdered Tahani: Lawyer
A mother accused of failing to provide the necessaries of life for her 11-week old daughter was more likely to have caused her death.
Defence: Dad not necessarily baby killer
The defence case centres on flaws it says are in translation of the accused's discussions.