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Story: Child abuse

Cartoon about child abuse, 2000

Image
A cartoon of a small coffin and large groups of people.

This cartoon by Malcolm Evans explores topics of blame and accountability in relation to child abuse cases. It suggests that police, health professionals and social workers are often blamed by the public when system failures mean abuse is not detected in time. However, those closest to the victim – family, friends and neighbours – are more truly accountable.

Courtesy of Malcolm Evans

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library

Reference: H-643-003

by Malcolm Evans

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page

Bronwyn Dalley, Child abuse – High-profile cases, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/cartoon/30541/cartoon-about-child-abuse-2000 (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Bronwyn Dalley, published 26 April 2011.