If you think a child is being hurt or neglected, or if you are a child who is being hurt, call 800-340-5411 [2] or click the button below.

If you need help, call the 24/7 Hotline:

Call to Report Suspected Child Abuse [2]

If someone's life is in danger, call 911.

What is Child Abuse and Neglect?

Child abuse isn't always easy to see. It can be more than bruises or broken bones. It can hurt children in many ways. It's important to know how to recognize abuse and neglect and report it if you think something is wrong.

Child Abuse and Neglect Can Be:

• Physical harm caused by someone on purpose.
• Sexual abuse or exploitation.
• Neglect, when someone responsible for a child's care doesn't give them the proper care.
• Intentionally hurting or putting a child in danger.

What to Do If You Suspect Abuse or Neglect:
You don’t need to have all the facts, just a reasonable suspicion. If you think something is wrong, it’s important to act.

Warning Signs of Abuse and Neglect

Emotional Abuse:

• Child seems very scared, withdrawn, or anxious.
• Child shows extreme behavior, like being very passive or very aggressive.
• Child doesn’t seem attached to the parent or caregiver.

Physical Abuse:

• Frequent injuries or unexplained bruises and cuts.
• Child seems anxious, like always waiting for something bad to happen.
• Injuries look like they were caused by hands, belts, or other objects.
• Child avoids being touched or seems afraid to go home.
• Wearing clothes to cover up injuries, like long sleeves in hot weather.

Neglect:

• Clothes are dirty, too small, or not suitable for the weather.
• Child’s hygiene is poor (dirty, smelly, or unwashed).
• Child often goes without medical care or has untreated injuries.
• Child is left unsupervised or in unsafe situations.
• Child is often late or missing from school.

Sexual Abuse:

• Child has trouble walking or sitting.
• Child knows about sex in ways that are not appropriate for their age.
• Child avoids being around a certain person.
• Child doesn’t want to change clothes in front of others.
• Child has a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or is pregnant, especially under 14.
• Child runs away from home.