But although the hardworking actress must be more modest in her ambition, she is determined to tackle the problem, especially since she saw "Deadly Love", the programme about Tania Witika, the mother of a little girl whose brutal death shocked the nation.

She will host this week's "Inside New Zealand" documentary "Love Hurts" (TV3, 8.30pm, Tuesday, September 1) a poignant insight into why parents abuse their children.

"As Xena, I am approached by many people for help," says Lawless. "It's heartbreaking that I can't be a real-life superhero and help everyone. The fact is I'm just one person and my time is incredibly limited. But I decided I had to make time for this documentary. I offered to help promote director Trisha Stratford's next work concerning the safety of children," says Lawless.

Love Hurts features four parents who talk openly about the reasons they physically and emotionally abused their children.

According to Lawless, it is essential viewing for all New Zealanders.

"If child abuse is not going on in our own homes, those of us from loving homes often kid ourselves that violence is not occurring in our neighbourhoods, but the statistics are staggering and extremely disheartening," says Lawless.

"There are a lot of broken children becoming broken adults. By that, I mean abused children becoming abused and abusive adults. Let's do something about it."

Back to the Lucy Lawless Library

Back to the Xena Picture Library