Judith Collins

Wellington, June 4 NZPA - A new centre in Counties-Manukau, Auckland will provide child victims of abuse and violence with somewhere to go for help, Police Minister Judith Collins said at its opening today.

The centre is a joint initiative between the police, Child, Youth and Family, and the Counties-Manukau District Health Board.

"Sadly, for too many children in this country, home is not a loving, supportive or even a safe place," Ms Collins said.

Those children must have somewhere to go, she said.

The centre would provide a supportive environment where the children could interact with police, Child Youth and Family workers and health professionals, she said.

It will also investigate sexual assault complaints against adults.