Signs of Abuse and How to Report

Signs of Abuse and How to Report

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It’s estimated that awareness and education can prevent over 90% of child abuse. Educating ourselves, our families, and our community is perhaps THE most important thing we can do to make a difference in the fight against child abuse. Learn the stats, familiarize yourself with the signs of abuse, and integrate safe practices into your routine.

Types of Child Abuse:

  • Physical Abuse
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Emotional Abuse
  • Neglect

Recognize the Warning Signs:

The signs of child abuse are often seen in behavioral changes, such as:

  • Aggressiveness, passiveness, or withdrawal
  • Sexual behavior or knowledge that’s inappropriate for their age
  • Use of alcohol or drugs at an early age or other risky behaviors
  • Acting abnormally adult or infantile
  • Avoiding time spent in their home
  • Hoarding or stealing food
  • Difficulty concentrating in school or have excessive absences

Direct physical signs of abuse are not always common, but can include:

  • Unexplained bruises or welts in various stages of healing
  • Burns, fractures, bleeding
  • Consistent hunger
  • Poor hygiene
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty walking or sitting

Victims of child abuse often show indirect physical signs, such as:

  • Anxiety or depression
  • Chronic stomach pains
  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
  • Nightmares
  • Eating disorders
  • Bedwetting

How to Report Suspected Child Abuse:

In Florida, everyone is a mandatory reporter. Any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect, that a child is abused, abandoned, or neglected, is mandated by law to place a report.

Florida Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-422-4453

* Available 24/7 *

Every claim that’s made is required by law to be investigated. During an investigation, CPS decides if the environment is harmful to the child. Many reporters find it helpful to organize their thoughts and information by writing it out before calling the hotline so they can give as many details in their report as possible.

If you see something, if you hear something, if you suspect something- report it. Don’t wait for someone else to speak up- it could mean the life of a child. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.

How to Report Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM):

If/when we come across child sexual abuse material (CSAM- also known as child pornography) accidentally online, often our first instinct is to exit out of the video or image and try to forget seeing the upsetting content. The issue with this is that the child in the content is not being helped. We urge you to report the content to the platform itself, local abuse hotlines (if a location is known), and the CyberTipline.

Cyber Tipline

The Tipline also accepts reports of: online enticement of a child for sexual acts; child sex trafficking; misleading domain name; unsolicited obscene material sent to a child.