what would you do if you knew that a child was being abused?

Question

I can't give too much information on this but i suspect child abuse and don't know what to do. I'm so afraid please tell me what you would do....

Answer 1

If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, you should call your local Child Protective Services (CPS) agency or the CPS agency in the State in which the abuse occurred. As you identify the appropriate agency for making a report, remember the following:
Not every State has a toll free hotline, or the hotline may not operate on a 24 hour basis.


If a toll free (800 or 888) number is available, it may be accessible only from within that State.


Federal agencies have no authority to intervene in individual child abuse and neglect cases. Each State has jurisdiction over these matters, and has specific laws and procedures for reporting and investigating. In some States, all citizens are mandated reporters by State law and must report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect.


We have listed below the toll free numbers for the States that have them. If a number is not listed, or if you need to report suspected abuse in a State other than your own, please call:
Childhelp® USA National Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-4-A-CHILD®
(1-800-422-4453)
TDD: 1-800-2-A-CHILD

Childhelp® USA is a non-profit agency which can provide reporting numbers, and has Hotline counselors who can provide referrals.

Alaska (AK)
[phone]

Arizona (AZ)
(888) SOS-CHILD
(888-767-2445)

Arkansas (AR)
[phone]

Connecticut (CT)
[phone]
[phone] (TDD/Hearing Impaired)

Delaware (DE)
[phone]

Florida (FL)
(800) 96-ABUSE
(800-962-2873)

Illinois (IL)
[phone]

Indiana (IN)
[phone]

Iowa (IA)
[phone]

Kansas (KS)
[phone]

Kentucky (KY)
[phone]

Maine (ME)
[phone]

Maryland (MD)
[phone]

Massachusetts (MA)
[phone]

Michigan (MI)
[phone]

Mississippi (MS)
[phone]

Missouri (MO)
[phone]

Montana (MT)
[phone]

Nebraska (NE)
[phone]

Nevada (NV)
[phone]

New Hampshire (NH)
[phone]

New Jersey (NJ)
[phone]
[phone] (TDD/Hearing Impaired)

New Mexico (NM)
[phone]

New York (NY)
[phone]

North Dakota (ND)
[phone]

Oklahoma (OK)
[phone]

Oregon (OR)
[phone]

Pennsylvania (PA)
[phone]

Rhode Island (RI)
(800) RI-CHILD
(800-742-4453)

Texas (TX)
[phone]

Utah (UT)
[phone]

Virginia (VA)
[phone]

Washington (WA)
[phone]

West Virginia (WV)
[phone]

Wyoming (WY)
[phone]

Reproduced from the Children's Bureau (CB) within the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Administration for Children and Families, of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Answer 2

OK first its good infact great that people still notice and think that things should be done, its so easy to pretend. If you believe something is going on then please act on that, you may end up saying someone from more abuse and saying there life. Social services are not always the best option i say this as i have seen children at risk still with parents and them getting money to keep things happy. The child line can help you, also the N S P C C, they are great. There number you can get calling 118 118, you don't have to leave you name but help them in telling them everything, they will check it out and protect the child if they see a need. If there is danger then the police crime stoppers where you don't have to give your name also, what ever you choose i wish you look, and please ensure that what action keeps you safe and protects the child. I wish you well, and I'm the sure the child if you are right will be thanking the person who helped. By the way if it isn't abuse don't worry you were thinking of the child and you were doing the right thing . Take care

Answer 3

Of course fear is probably part of the picture. Don't worry your completely normal. I would think the person should go to the authorities (police) and report it but only if you know this for a FACT. You can suspect all you want to but proof is needed. The Department of Family Services in the State where you live will definitely help.
Whoever is abusing the child needs help and quick. Don't waste anymore time. Do something. The childs well being and possibly life is at stake. Don't let this continue for the innocent childs sake.

Answer 4

Hopefully you know for sure the child is being abused because if you not sure and just called CFS on the parents and it wasn't true they can still be investigated and CFS will always make home visits to make sure nothing is wrong. But, if you are positive that the child is being abused and I'm not talking about a spanking on the bottom but really abused it must be taken seriously you could save this child from pain and suffering. A child is so innocent and needs help in this sort of situation no one deserves to be abused. You shouldn't be afraid just think how afraid that child may be. This must be on your conscience every day you must do something about no matter who it is.

Answer 5

If I suspected that a child was being abused I would ring the local social services to make them aware of the possible situation.
If I knew for definate that a child was being abused I would keep on calling them and the police until I saw someone turn up and do something about it.
Your local social services will be in the directory or call the operator.
This link has useful contacts;

http://www.human-rights.org.uk/reporting_abuse.html

Answer 6

child is being abused because if you not sure and just called CFS on the parents and it wasn't true they can still be investigated and CFS will always make home visits to make sure nothing is wrong. But, if you are positive that the child is being abused and I'm not talking about a spanking on the bottom but really abused it must be taken seriously you could save this child from pain and suffering. A child is so innocent and needs help in this sort of situation no one deserves to be abused. You shouldn't be afraid just think how afraid that child may be. This must be on your conscienc

Answer 7

I would get help for the child immediately. If you don't want to tell no one your name, call from a payphone, and tell the proper authorities. It just might save the childs life. The longer the child is abused the worse off in life it will be. Do something now so the child can have a change at a better life.

Answer 8

First you have to really make sure this child is being abused. If you see the parent or guardian is not giving the child food, beating the child for no such reasons, sexually misusing the child, leaving the child home alone for days, etc. Things like that. If this is happening and you are aware of it please don't let this go on . When you wake up in the morning please go and report these people right away. You wouldn't want anybody abusing you... Especially if it someone who can not defend his or herself. Don't wait you will regret it if something really bad happens to that person. Hope this helps you out.

Answer 9

Hey Roland-
If you are suspicious of a child being abused, tell a teacher, a priest, or another adult that you have faith in. Teachers and medical professionals are required by law to report to the authorities any suspicion of abuse. If you are comfortable with doing it yourself, you can call Child Protective Services (CPS). You could also call the police, who are obligated to investigate.
Be aware, Roland, that you may be saving this child. It may feel uncomfortable, but go ahead and be a hero. If you need to do it anonymously, (nobody needs to know who gave the authorities the information), that's OK. Just make sure you do it. God bless you for it.

Answer 10

Roland,

Absolutely call Child Protective Services. If you do not know their number, then call the police. The police will investigate. No one will tell the parents (or the abuser) who the complaining party (you) is. Your name will be kept completely confidential.

If you are a kid (or not) as well, don't let anyone scare you into not telling the authorities. Your friend (the abused child) deserves better than to be abused. You have the ability to help that child, even if they don't ask you for help.

Call for help and do it soon.