Little Matters
Raising a future free from child sexual abuse.
Little Matters are the small, everyday codes, tikanga, and habits that help keep tamariki safer today and raise a future free from child sexual abuse.
What is Little Matters?
Little Matters was developed by ACC with parents, caregivers, and prevention experts to help prevent child sexual abuse.
Little Matters helps families take small, doable everyday actions that help build clarity, respect, and connection.
Each action may feel small. But together, they help keep kids safer now and support healthier relationships in their future.
Many families already do some of these things. Little Matters gives them a shared name we can all use, and 10 examples to start with.
When we share our Little Matters, we learn from each other and make them more visible. This helps keep our children safer today and raise a future free from child sexual abuse.
Learn more about Little Matters
Why this matters
Sexual harm affects many people in Aotearoa. There’s not one single cause of sexual harm. It grows from everyday attitudes and behaviours, which is also where change can start.
Small, consistent codes or tikanga help build kids’ language and confidence as they grow. This helps reduce risk today and help create a safer tomorrow.
Backed by evidence
Little Matters has been developed with parents and caregivers, along with experts in sexual violence prevention. It has been tested with diverse people across Aotearoa to ensure it resonates and motivates kōrero and action.
For families and whānau
How to get started
- Pick one ‘Little Matter’ that feels right for your whānau and adapt it to suit.
- Practise together. Model it, praise it, keep it simple, and low pressure.
- Keep kōrero going. Short chats often work best.
- Add another ‘Little Matter’ when your whānau is ready.
- Share your Little Matters in ways that feel right for your family or whānau. The more visible your Little Matters are, the stronger and safer we become.
For groups and organisations working with families and whānau
Little Matters is designed to support the work you’re already doing with parents and caregivers.
We’re creating a range of resources you can tailor for your community. This will be ready to share soon. Complete this online form to go our mailing list. We will email to let you know when the resources are ready.
About ACC and Little Matters
We support people impacted by sexual abuse or assault through the Sensitive Claims Service and invests in prevention so fewer people are harmed in the first place.
Learn more about our Sensitive Claims Service
We are one of a range of government agencies that fund services and supports for people who have experienced sexual violence.
Learn more about government work to respond to and prevent sexual violence
Little Matters on social media
Need support?
If you or someone you love needs help, you’re not alone.
If you’re in immediate danger:
Call 111
Safe to talk – Sexual harm helpline (24/7, free, confidential):
Call, text, or webchat. They’ll listen, support you, and connect you to local services if you want.
Call 0800 044 334
Text 4334
Webchat at saftetotalk.nz
Sensitive Claims Service
We fund therapy and other support for people affected by sexual abuse or assault. You can start by contacting Safe to talk, who can connect you with an available ACC funded therapy provider. Or you can also search for a provider yourself at findsupport.co.nz
Last published: 28 April 2026