The report presents a synthesis of data from children's responses to a 25 minute theatrical performance showing a fictional family experiencing abuse within a video game. Approximately 17,000 Year Seven and Eight children from 142 decile 1-5 schools throughout the North Island of New Zealand took part in the programme over a four year period. The report identifies New Zealand children's views about family violence and child abuse, and was produced to support and inform further development of messages for the Campaign for Action on Family Violence. Data sources informing the work include participant observations of students' responses, reflective journal and anecdotal records kept by the Applied Theatre Consultants, examples of students' writing in role, unsolicited letters from participants, and an evaluation undertaken in 2006 by Dr Chris Holland. The authors found that children identified love as the key ingredient required in families. Children believed that parents should not hit their children and wondered if parents did so still loved their children. Children interpreted abuse as indicating that the abuser thinks the child is unworthy of love and this leads to loss of self esteem. Children talked about physical violence as bad, but also discussed how parents letting them down hurt too; however, children rationalise their parents' abusive or neglectful behaviour in a number of ways and continue to love them. Children are not sure how to ask for help, who to ask or what will happen to their parents if they do tell, and reported being confused by the mixed messages about the repeal of Section 59 of the Crimes Act 1961. Children are confused when adults do nothing about violence, and reported that if adults do not take action it sends the message that the violence is acceptable.

nz