Abstract
This paper investigates children's experiences and perceptions of violence in New Zealand - at home and school. A representative sample of 2079 children, aged 9-13 years and from different types of schools and geographical areas, were randomly surveyed. By determining the incidence and prevalence of various forms of violence, and by identifying the protective factors that buffer children from the impact of violence, policy and provision can be developed to help prevent further damage to children. Whilst schools cannot take responsibility for all of a child's life, they can be supportive and recognise that the impact of violence affects children's behaviour in school. The actions of schools can help mitigate these violent events. Information was gained from the perspective of the child and demonstrates that it is possible to explore children's own views of what hurts them. Prevention and intervention strategies should be grounded in findings which reflect the child's view of violent experiences. Based on Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, this study states the importance of the child's own voice. Only if there is information on the child's view of their own experiences can advocacy be based on their perspective.
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