Child abuse in New Zealand is defined under section 2 of the Children, Young Persons, and Their Families Act 1989 and is the harming of a child by physically, emotionally or sexually ill treating them through abuse or neglect. Prevention of such abuse in New Zealand is seen as a high priority by the New Zealand government as well as relevant non governmental organisations due to the prevalence of child abuse cases occurring in New Zealand, particularly when compared with other developed countries. This response is consistent with New Zealand's obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at article 34 – 35 which deals specifically with Child Abuse. This convention places obligations on New Zealand as a state to protect the rights of the child and was ratified