Child Abuse

Indicators of child abuse may include severe beatings, bite marks, burns, unusual bruises, lacerations, strangulation, broken bones, scalding, welts, scars, and swelling. These are deliberate acts of violence that injure or even kill children.  

Occurs when adults use children for sexual gratification or expose them to sexual activities. It can be so subtle that a child may not know it is happening. Forms of sexual abuse may include fondling, touching, exposing a child to pornographic materials and or to sexual activity, having a child pose, undress or perform in a sexual fashion, pressuring a child to perform oral, vaginal or anal sex.

There are several behavioral and physical indicators of sexual abuse including but not limited to: unusual interest in or knowledge of sexual activity, promiscuity, seductive behavior, change in appetite, sleep disturbances, bedwetting, nightmares, depression, anger, inappropriate dressing, sexual drawing or stories. Often children do not tell of sexual abuse because of fear.  

Commonly defined as the tearing down of another human being. This type of abuse attacks the children's self-esteem and self–concept, and the victim comes to see himself/herself as unworthy of love and affection.

Children that have been emotionally abused are shamed, humiliated, terrorized, and rejected. Emotional abuse can be very hard to identify and define, yet the effects often leave hidden scars, destructive behavior, and poor development.   

 Occurs when a parent or caregiver does not provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, medical care, supervision or guardianship.  

Indicators of neglect may include dirty skin and clothing, poor personal hygiene, inappropriate clothing, drowsiness, begging or stealing food, hoarding food, gorging self, in need of dental care or glasses, has no lunch money, is withdrawn, etc.  

Child Protective Services  

If you suspect or know of child abuse, please call the Centralized Intake to make a report 1-866-820-5437.