Paula Bennett

Wellington, Sept 3 NZPA - An estimated 23 babies were admitted to hospital last year because of being shaken.

In addition 3456 children under-two were sexually, physically or emotionally abused or neglected.

Seventy five babies were hospitalised as a result of abuse last year.

The "shocking record" has prompted Social Development Minister Paula Bennett to launch a campaign against shaking a baby.

"I think part of the problem is that there's a generation of new parents out there who don't know the danger to a baby of being shaken.

"The long term effects can be devastating. It's irreversible. You simply can't undo the damage to a baby's brain."

The campaign will involve having Child, Youth and Family (CYF) social workers based at Counties Manukau, Waikato, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin hospitals.

Currently there is one at Starship Hospital.

There will also be a nationwide, multi-media awareness campaign to highlight the damage shaking a baby can do.

CYF will also work with the Auckland District Health Board which is running a prevention programme with new parents.

CYF and health workers will follow up with the families of young children who are admitted to hospital as a result of abuse.

CYF, working with non-governmental organisations, will attempt to follow-up every notification they receive.

Currently more than 40,000 low-level incidents have not been followed up.

A trial will begin in Grey Lynn, Panmure and Onehunga in November.

The Ministry for Social Development will work to improve data monitoring and will set up an Independent Experts Forum on child abuse.

The campaign was a "first... simple, practical step", Ms Bennett said.

"There are no easy solutions to New Zealand's child abuse problem but it's unacceptable not to try and find some."