4 February 2009
Media Release
Paragraph About Nia Glassie Sentencing
Preventing Violence in the Home says standing by and doing nothing creates an environment that continues to allow abuse
to occur – so pick up the phone if you suspect abuse.
Today those involved in tiny Nia Glassie’s death have been sentenced. Some are guilty of the systematic cruel torture of
the defenseless child and others, including Nia’s own mother, are guilty of failing to protect her despite the violent
abuse they knew Nia routinely suffered.
These people are the ‘inner circle’ of those most directly involved, but what of the neighbours and other family members
who saw, or suspected that Nia and her siblings were being hurt and did nothing to help them? One of the many horrific
pieces of information reported about this case is that so many people knew at least part of what was going on and none
of them was prepared to take any action.
Executive Director of Preventing Violence in the Home, Jane Drumm says, “Each and every adult has the responsibility to
at least phone the Police or Child, Youth and Family if they are worried about someone being hurt. Standing by and doing
nothing creates an environment that continues to allow abuse to occur. New Zealanders will continue to be appalled as
they read about breathtaking cruelty in their daily papers, until each of us are willing to say “that is not okay” and
take some form of positive action. While we hesitate to get involved, someone could be dying. It takes so little effort
to pick up a phone and potentially save a life.”
If you, a friend or family member, or a neighbour may be at risk of domestic violence or child abuse, call the toll-free
Preventing Violence in the Home helpline on 0508 DVHELP (0508 384 357) for advice and support, or visit our website
www.preventingviolence.org.nz and if a situation is potentially dangerous, call the Police on 111.
ENDS