In Evans, I. M., Rucklidge, J. J. & O'Driscoll, M. P. (2007) Professional practice of psychology in Aotearoa New Zealand, New Zealand Psychological Society, Wellington, New Zealand.

This article presents the main issues in the New Zealand context for practitioners working with abused or neglected children and young people. The article describes the main contextual issues around child abuse in New Zealand and provides an overview of prevention and intervention principles, including ethics and cultural issues. The authors find there is growing awareness of the multi-faceted nature of abuse, its long term consequences and effects on future generations. This awareness has led to increasing consideration by researchers and practitioners of contextual factors and their relationship with children's developmental factors. The authors note that the development of legislative guidelines in this area contributes to a multidisciplinary effort in therapeutic best practice.