Barnardos New Zealand supports the call for a three minute vigil

The Sensible Sentencing Trust, Family First NZ and For the Sake of Our Children Trust are asking Kiwis to stop whatever they are doing - to come out onto the street, outside the office or classroom, to stop their car or truck and stand outside their vehicle - and make a symbolic 'stand' against child abuse for three minutes at 12:12pm today (Wednesday 8th August).

Barnardos New Zealand supports the call.

"I think this is a great idea because it gets past the usual 'blame-game' discussion and acknowledges that we all share responsibility for what has happened in our communities over the years," said Murray Edridge, Chief Executive of Barnardos.

"And we also all need to be part of any successful solution to the problem of our child abuse rates."

"The organisations initiating this action have developed a five point action plan to address abuse issues and whilst I don't necessarily agree with all of their analysis of the problems, I do wholeheartedly agree with the need for all of us to take responsibility for the problem and its solution."

"I shall personally be joining the vigil and have invited all the staff of Barnardos to do likewise", he concluded.

ENDS

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