How to Report Child Abuse

Child abuse is a very serious matter and should be reported to a state agency immediately.

Steps:

1. 

Report child abuse even if you have just a suspicion that there is a problem. It is better to make a mistake than to let a child be harmed or even killed.

2. 

Make the report immediately.

3. 

Understand that certain people are required to report suspicion of child abuse. These people include teachers, doctors, health care workers and counselors. Failure to make a report could lead to criminal charges.

4. 

Contact the agency in your state responsible for handling reports of child abuse. Many phone books list this agency in the front of the book, near the emergency numbers.

5. 

Call the National Hotline for Child Abuse at 1-800-4-ACHILD to make the report if you cannot find a number for your state agency. You can also get the local number from this hotline. If for some reason you cannot get through or the state agency cannot help you, call your local police department and explain the situation.

6. 

Do not confront the person you suspect. This action could endanger the child even more.

7. 

Stay out of the situation, but make the call and let people who specialize in this area handle it.

 Tips:

1.

Many people are hesitant to become involved in other people's problems. Child abuse is a problem that affects our entire society. If you suspect it, report it.

2.

Don't wait to report any child abuse--the next day may be too late and only prolongs an innocent child's suffering.

 Warnings:

Think before you act!
When you suspect child abuse to a child or adolescent, don't immediately start calling the authorities (unless, of course, it's a dire emergency). First listen to the child (often just telling helps a lot). Let the child know that you are willing to help her or him and how you can do that. Even if they are reluctant for you to do anything at first, it can sometimes be very empowering for the young person to make the decision to act - or not. Bear in mind, however, that the child may be either too young, or too terrified of the consequences of having confided in someone, to make any decision.

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