How to Spot and Report Abuse

Child abuse and neglect often occur in families under stress, in the middle of a crisis or at the "end of the rope." Child maltreatment can include the following:

• Physical Abuse - the non-accidental injury to a child.

• Sexual Abuse - any act of a sexual nature upon or with a child.

• Neglect- the failure to act on behalf of a child.

More information for Mandated Reporters is also available.

How to Spot Abuse

Physical Abuse Indicators:
Physical Signs

• Unexplained, chronic or repeated bruising

• Unexplained burns

• Other unexplained or repeated injuries

Behavioral Signs

• Behavioral extremes (withdrawal, aggression, regression)

• Excessive fear of the parent or caregiver

• Unusual shyness, wariness of physical contact

• Attempt to hide injuries

• Depression, excessive crying

• Antisocial behavior, such as substance abuse, truancy or running away

Sexual Abuse Indicators:
Physical Signs

• Somatic complaints, including pain and irritation of genitals

• Sexually transmitted diseases

• Pregnancy

• Bruises or bleeding from external genitals, vagina or anal region

• Genital discharge

• Torn, stained or bloody underclothes

• Frequent, unexplained sore throats, yeast or urinary infections

Behavioral Signs

• Poor peer relationships, inability to relate to children of the same age

• Regressive behaviors, such as thumb sucking, bedwetting, fear of the dark
  Sudden changes in behavior

• Promiscuity or seductive behavior

• Aggression or delinquency

• Prostitution

• Substance abuse

• Reluctance to participate in recreational activity

• Recurrent nightmares, disturbed sleep patterns or fear of the dark

• Sudden decline in school performance

• In young children, preoccupation with his/her sexual organs, his/her parents' or other chidren's

Neglect Indicators:
Physical Signs

• Chronic uncleanliness or poor hygiene including lice, scabies, or severe or untreated diaper rash

• Untreated illness or injury

• Unsuitable clothing, missing key articles of clothing such as socks, shoes or a coat

• Height and weight significantly below age level

Behavioral Signs

• Chronic hunger, tiredness or lethargy

• Begging or collecting leftovers

• Unusual school attendance (frequent or chronic absence, lateness, coming to school early or leaving late)

• Assuming adult responsibilities

• Vandalism or delinquency

Environmental Signs

• Lack of food, heat or utilities in the house

• Parent/caregiver uses food stamps to buy drugs

• The child is outside late at night while the parent is under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• The child is left home alone without supervision

How to Report If You Suspect Abuse

If a child indicates that they are afraid to return home, call the appropriate Children Services agency or the local police immediately. For all other cases, follow the procedures below.

When making a report you should try to include the following information, although it is not required:

• The name and address of the child you suspect is being abused or neglected

• The age of the child

• The name and address of the parents or caretakers

• The name of the person you suspect is abusing or neglecting the child and the address if available

• The reason you suspect the child is being abuse or neglected

• Any other information which may be helpful to the investigation

With this information, contact the appropriate Children Services agency, which is determined by the county in which the custodial party resides. Click here for a directory of agencies by county.

In case of an emergency, dial 911. In non-emergency situations, you should contact your local public Children Services agency to make a report about the abuse. View a directory of agencies by county in Ohio.
If you need additional help determining what to do in the case of suspected abuse, call the Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Children's at (614) 722-3278.

Additional Resources:
How to respond to an abuse victim
CHOICES (link) offers a wide range of services for victims and survivors of domestic violence.