VIOLENT CRIME IN NEW ZEALAND

Almost every day we are confronted by a story in the media by some appalling act of violence in New Zealand. A statistic released the other day revealed that over 100,000 child abuse cases were recorded in NZ in the last year. That is, over 300 per day. This can only be discribed as a disgrace.

Violent crime is the one type of crime that is on the increase in New Zealand. In one Police District, violent crime in the last 12 months had increased by over 30%. We can analyise the reasons for this increase and hopefully in time put programmes in place that will address the issues of anger, alcohol abuse, drug addiction, disfunctional families and the increase in exposure to violence in video games, on movies and television, which are often at the basis of this increase in violence.

However, although absolutely necessary, these programmes take time to get into place and to begin to have positive effects. At this moment in time we all need to take some action to lessen the prevalence of this violence. There has to be a zero tolerance to violent behaviour and we all must take on the responsibility to take some action when we see this behaviour or the results of this behaviour. It is no use ignoring it and the following day finding out that a child or partner has been killed when we could have taken preventive action.

We need to personalise these incidents and ask yourself "if you were a victim, would you like someone to help you".

The first contact should be to the Police especially in an emergency situation. However, if for some reason this is not possible get the information to Crimestoppers anonymously. No one will know who has provided the information. Don't live to regret your lack of action. Your immediate action could save a life. Potential violent offenders may think twice about taking an action if they knew there was a high likelihood of them facing the consequences of their actions.

You can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or submit an encrypted online message form found on Crimestoppers website http://www.crimestoppers-nz.org/

There is no place in society for the violence we are now seeing in New Zealand. We are supposed to be civilised and in the 21st century but are behaving in a way that belongs back in the dark ages.