Leaflet, 'A Cry for Help'

This booklet about child abuse is printed in red and black with the title 'A Cry for Help' on the cover and a close-up photograph of a young girl's face. At the base of the cover is written 'National Children's Health Research Foundation' and next this is their red logo. Inside, there is information on statistics of child abuse, how children are abused, and discussion on the stresses of parenting. Large black and white photographs are used throughout. The back cover lists emergency help tips and numbers, as well as information on the National Children's Health Research Foundation.

The Royal New Zealand Plunket Society

Sir Frederick Truby King founded the Royal New Zealand Society for the Health of Women and Children in 1907 in an effort to improve childcare standards, and it is still active today. It is, however, more commonly known as Plunket, after Lady Victoria Plunket, wife of the Governor of New Zealand at the time of the Society's establishment and a great supporter of King's work. In 1980, the Society officially changed its name to the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society.

Plunket and child abuse

By the 1980s, when this booklet was produced, Plunket was addressing a wider variety of concerns that could affect children. Publications such as this booklet helped to raise awareness of child abuse, encouraged parents to consider their interactions with their children, and offered advice and support. Dr David Geddis, the Medical Director of Plunket from 1977 to 1992, was particularly concerned about this issue and chaired the National Committee on the Prevention of Child Abuse.

Acquisition

In the late 1980s, Te Papa received a collection of objects and ephemera from the Plunket Society, including promotional leaflets, a 'Well Child' baby book, and a set of scales for weighing infants. These items date from different periods in the history of Plunket, from its inception in 1907 to the time of this acquisition.