'Keeping ourselves safe' : investigating the development, implementation and reactions to the programme

Abstract

This research project examined the development and implementation process of the 'Keeping Ourselves Safe' child sexual abuse protection programme developed by the New Zealand Police in collaboration with the Department of Education. There was an emphasis on investigating the controversy it provoked from the outset.

This was achieved by a thorough examination of all the Police files and documentation pertaining to the development of the programme and chronologically documenting relevant aspects of the process and concerns as a narrative description.

The results indicated that throughout the process of development there were several difficulties that were a consequence of regulations and legal requirements set by the Department of Education and which caused significant delays. These included difficulties regarding aspects of the content and especially the use of precise terminology. In addition there was an ongoing problem trying to raise adequate finances to complete the programme.

Although there were numerous concerns expressed by individuals and community groups over the content of the programme the majority of concerns came from groups and individuals associated with the moral right. These were because of the moral right's perception that the programme would allow the state to intrude into the privacy of family life. In addition the moral right believed the programme would inappropriately introduce sexuality education to children at too young an age.