HOW TO REPORT ABUSE


REPORT ANY SUSPECTED ABUSE IMMEDIATELY!

Your actions in response to suspicions of any type of abuse or an outcry of abuse made by a child are CRITICAL TO THAT CHILD’S SAFETY AND RECOVERY.

            BELIEVE THE CHILD
            REPORT THE ABUSE YOURSELF
            AFFIRM THE CHILD’S TRUST

Statistics show that children rarely lie about abuse, so it is imperative that YOU BELIEVE THE CHILD!  When you believe the child, you reinforce that it is ok to talk about it and move forward in the healing process.

Report child abuse suspicions to the Department of Human Services: by calling the Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-522-3511, as well as local law enforcement.

If a child is in immediate danger, contact 911.

Calls can be made anonymously.  The law provides the reporter with immunity from civil and criminal penalties for making reports in good faith.

THE LAW REQUIRES YOU TO REPORT ANY SUSPICION OF CHILD ABUSE IMMEDIATELY! 

The C.A.R.E. Center only receives cases from investigative agencies, such as law enforcement and DHS.  Please follow the directions above if you have suspicions of child abuse.



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SYMPTOMS, INDICATIONS, AND RISK FACTORS OF CHILD ABUSE

ABUSE TYPE
PHYSICAL INDICATORS
BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS
PHYSICAL
ABUSE
  • unexplained bruises (in various stages of healing), welts, human bite marks, bald spots
  • unexplained burns, especially cigarette
  • unexplained fractures, lacerations or abrasions
  • self-destructive
  • withdrawn and aggressive - behavioral extremes
  • uncomfortable with physical contact
  • arrives at school early or stays late as if afraid to be at home
  • chronic runaway (adolescents)
  • complains of soreness or moves uncomfortable
  • wears clothing inappropriate to weather, to cover body
PHYSICAL
NEGLECT
  • abandonment
  • unattended medical needs
  • consistent lack of supervision
  • consistent hunger, inappropriate dress, poor hygiene
  • lice, distended stomach, emaciated
  • regularly displays fatigue or listlessness, falls asleep in class
  • steals food, begs from classmates
  • reports that no caretaker is at home
  • frequently absent or tardy
  • self-destructive
  • school dropout (adolescents)
SEXUAL
ABUSE
  • torn, stained or bloody underclothing
  • pain or itching in genital area
  • difficulty walking or sitting
  • bruises or bleeding in external genitalia
  • venereal disease
  • frequent urinary or yeast infections
  • withdrawal, chronic depression
  • excessive seductiveness
  • role reversal, overly concerned for siblings
  • poor self-esteem, self-devaluation, lack of confidence
  • peer problems, lack of involvement
  • massive weight change
  • suicide attempts (especially adolescents)
  • hysteria, lack of emotional control
  • sudden school difficulties
  • inappropriate sex play or premature understanding of sex
  • threatened by physical contact
  • promiscuity
EMOTIONAL
MALTREATMENT
  • speech disorders
  • delayed physical development
  • substance abuse
  • ulcers, asthma, severe allergies
  • habit disorders (sucking, rocking)
  • antisocial, destructive
  • neurotic traits (sleep disorders, inhibition of play)
  • passive and aggressive - behavioral extremes
  • delinquent behavior (especially adolescents)
  • developmentally delayed



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