Mercer County Children's Advocacy Center

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  • Awareness Blog
  • ChildLine: 1-800-932-0313
Mercer County Children's Advocacy Center
  • Home
  • About Mercer CAC
  • What to Expect
    • Forensic Interview Services
    • Medical Exams
    • Trauma Treatment
  • For Families and Children
    • What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
      • Effects of Child Abuse and Neglect
      • Myths and Facts About Child Abuse and Neglect
      • Recognize the Signs of Abuse and Neglect
    • What is Child Neglect?
      • Preventing Neglect
      • Recognize the Signs of Neglect and Emotional Maltreatment
      • Reporting Neglect
      • Responding to Neglect
    • What is Child Physical Abuse?
      • Preventing Physical Abuse
      • Recognize the Signs of Physical Abuse
      • Reporting Physical Abuse
      • Responding to Physical Abuse
    • What is Child Sexual Abuse?
      • Preventing Sexual Abuse
      • Recognize the Signs of Sexual Abuse
      • Reporting Sexual Abuse
      • Responding to Sexual Abuse
    • Keeping your Child Safe
      • Domestic Violence and Kids
  • Resources
    • Reading Resources
    • Resource Guide for Working with Adolescents
    • Talking To Your Children About Sexuality
    • What is Age-Appropriate?
    • What to DO if you Suspect a Child is Being Abused
  • Internet Safety
    • Abbreviations and Text Terms
    • Cyberbullying & Sextortion
    • Facebook- How to Keep My Child Safe
    • Instagram- How to Keep My Child Safe
    • Snapchat- How to Keep My Child Safe
    • Social Media Safety

What to DO if you Suspect a Child is Being Abused

Homepage What to DO if you Suspect a Child is Being Abused
If you suspect or know that a child is being abused, call ChildLine (the child abuse hotline) right away: 1-800-932-0313. If a child is in immediate danger, also call 911.

How do I know if a child is being sexually abused?

signs of abuseChildren often disclose abuse through unusual behaviors or changes in behaviors, not words. Because many forms of abuse are not physically evident, adults should recognize certain behavioral cues as signs of potential abuse.

Learn more about the signs of abuse.

What do I do if a child tells me they have been sexually abused?

Coming forward takes courage. If a child discloses abuse to you, believe them, listen carefully, then take action.

Learn more about responding to sexual abuse.

What happens when I report child sexual abuse?

When you make a report to ChildLine (the child abuse hotline), the Abuse-stop-child-abuse-28564872-765-540operator will listen to your report and ask questions to gather information.

Learn more about reporting abuse.

Who should report abuse?

Anyone can report suspected child abuse. Certain professionals are mandated reporters, meaning they are required by law to report suspected abuse. In Pennsylvania, mandated reporters include school, child care and medical personnel, early intervention providers, members of the clergy and law enforcement.

How do I know that a child is telling the truth about abuse?

Children seldom lie about abuse. If a child discloses abuse, report what you know to the authorities; they will determine the facts and evidence. In rare instances when a child does lie about abuse, it can be an indication that something else is wrong.

If a child discloses sexual abuse, will there be physical evidence?

In many cases, there are no physical signs that sexual abuse has occurred. If there are signs, they may include redness, abrasions, lacerations, evidence of semen or sexually transmitted infections.

Why don’t children tell?

boy/girl sexual abuse statsThere are many reasons why children may not disclose abuse. Because most abusers have a close relationship with the child and his or her family, the child may worry about getting their abuser or themselves in trouble. Many abusers make threats to ensure that victims do not tell. Victims may also be ashamed or fear that no one will believe them. Remember, children often indicate something is wrong through behaviors, not words.

Can children recover from the trauma of abuse?

Yes. The most important things to help children heal from abuse are 514_400x400_NoPeelhaving supportive caregivers and access to appropriate resources.

 

 

 

 

 

Trauma Treatment explained

 

  • Resources
    • Reading Resources
    • Resource Guide for Working with Adolescents
    • Talking To Your Children About Sexuality
    • What is Age-Appropriate?
    • What to DO if you Suspect a Child is Being Abused

ChildLine

Reporting Child Abuse
Call 800-932-0313
(TDD: 866-872-1677)

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Copyright ©2018 Mercer County CAC | 8406 Sharon-Mercer Road | Mercer, PA 16137 | (724) 662-1550 | Mercer Country BHC Inc
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