FROM THE EDITOR

Not surprisingly I find it difficult to write about or edit articles on child abuse cases. And there are far too many.

The horrific child abuse that happens in New Zealand is our country’s biggest shame. More needs to be done. This week Stuff.co.nz relaunched the Faces of Innocents project, sharing the stories of some of the children taken too soon.

There is a child victim toll which will be the measure of New Zealand’s progress to address the problems of child abuse, neglect and maltreatment. And there is a call to action - ways that you can help bring about change.

The Child Victim Toll echoes the road toll - a concept that draws strength from simplicity. Transport safety is complex, but the toll boils it down to a single imperative: reduce this number, by whatever means necessary.

Child safety is arguably even more complex. But there is one fundamental measure of success: fewer child victims.

See page 13 for more.

- AmyJackman