Child Abuse and Neglect: What to Know

• Someone does something to harm them.
• Someone does not take care of them properly.
• They're allowed to see violence or abuse towards others.

Abuse and neglect can can happen to anyone. It might not always be done on purpose.

Most of the time, children know and are close to the people who hurt them or put them at risk of being hurt.

What are the types of child abuse and neglect?

• Physical abuse. These physical acts are done on purpose. They include:
  • Hitting, beating, kicking, or biting the child.
  • Shaking or burning the child.
  • Holding the child under water or tying the child up.
• Emotional or psychological abuse. These acts affect a child's self-worth and emotional development. They include:
  • Yelling at the child, or threatening, ignoring, or rejecting them.
  • Refusing to show love or care for the child.
  • Not allowing the child to spend time or play with other children.
• Sexual abuse. This is any sexual activity or behavior that a child can't understand or agree to. The child may be forced or tricked into the activity. It includes:
  • Unwanted touching.
  • Assault.
  • Forced nudity.
    • A child can be sexually abused by an adult, an older child, or by someone their own age.
• Neglect. This is when someone fails to provide care, assistance, or attention to a child. This can include:
  • Not giving food, water, shelter, and clothing.
  • Not providing medical care or personal hygiene.
  • Stopping the child from socializing with others.

How do I know if a child is being abused or neglected?

Abuse and neglect can be hard to know. The child or caregiver may not give good reasons for the injuries or behaviors that you see. In some cases, the reasons they give will change or will not make sense.

Learn about the types of child abuse and neglect and the signs that abuse or neglect may be happening. Pay attention for any sudden physical, emotional, or behavioral changes.

Different kinds of abuse and neglect often happen at the same time. Abuse and neglect can happen once or a few times. They can also keep happening over and over again. The type and severity of abuse and neglect can change over time.

Why is it hard for a child to report abuse or neglect?

• The child may not know who to talk to.
• The child may fear the abuser.
• The child may be embarrassed, or feel shame or guilt about being abused.
• The child may want to protect the abuser.
• The child may not know that what's happening is abuse or neglect. They may think it's "normal."
• The child may not be able to explain what's happening because they're afraid or they're too young.

How can child abuse be prevented?

• Check on the child regularly. You're likely to see signs of abuse and neglect if you visit often.
• Learn about abuse and neglect. Tell others how to know the signs of abuse in a child.
• Give support to caregivers who have too much to do. Talk about ways to help them.
  • Friends, family, local relief care groups, adult day care programs, or counseling may help.

What should I do if I think a child is being abused or neglected?

• If a child tells you about abuse or neglect, tell the child that you believe them and that you are glad they told you.
• Report abuse or neglect:
  • Call the police or county social service agency to make a report.
  • Call a health care provider. You can take the child to a local emergency department if you don't know where to go.
  • Call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline via phone or text (1-800) 422-4453 or via live chat
  • Call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children via phone at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the CyberTipline

• The report can be anonymous. In most states, you do not need to provide your name.
• The report is confidential. The abuser is not entitled to know who made the report.

If you believe a child is in danger or is at risk of coming into contact with the abuser, call 911 right away.

Where can I get more information?

• Child Welfare Information Gateway, childwelfare.gov/
• State, Territory, and Tribal Resources, childwelfare.gov/
• Prevent Child Abuse America, preventchildabuse.org/
• Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline, childhelp.org/