This is valuable information to pass on to those who do not know how to report child abuse. Sadly and unfortunately, child abuse is more common than we want to think. Children of all ages and all races are subjected to this terrible act. There are several types of child abuse: physical, neglect, sexual, emotional and verbal; each one having a long lasting affect if not turning deadly.
If you suspect that a child is being abused in any way, you must contact the authorities immediately. The sooner you report it and save a child the better their future is. Many children of abuse later repeat their abuse onto others, including their own children. It’s time to end the cycle and help those who cannot help themselves.
You may be wary about reporting the abuse because of several reasons: “The family will know it was you, what if I am wrong and it’s none of my business.” All reporting is anonymous and if you are correct about the child abuse chances are you have saved that child. You may think it is none of your business but by law if you suspect anything and do not report it, you could be at fault. Here are a few statistics about child abuse from www.childhelp.org:
- A report of child abuse is made every ten seconds
- More than five children die every day as a result of child abuse
- About 30% of abused and neglected children will later abuse their own children, continuing the horrible cycle of abuse.
- Child abuse occurs at every socioeconomic level, across ethnic and cultural lines, within all religions and at all levels of education
If you are approached by the child there are a few things to keep in mind when they are sharing their story of abuse with you. React calmly, news like this startling to hear but if the child senses you are uncomfortable they will stop. Do not ask too many questions; let them tell you, even if it is just a little bit of information. Once they have done this reassure them that they have not done anything wrong. Then report it immediately.
Who to contact:
- Your local police station
- Your local Child Protective Services (CPS) agency
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-Child
- Hotlines for each state: http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/reslist/rl_dsp.cfm?rs_id=5&rate_chno=W-00082
Let the professionals take care of it from here; these agencies and groups know how to best protect and help the child in need. You may be needed later in that child’s life; they found comfort in you and may turn to you again. You can also find more help for yourself and what to do by visiting www.childwelfare.gov or childhelp.org
Author Bio:-
This is a guest post by Coleen Torres from home phone service. You can find more about her at her http://www.phonetvinternet.com/insider/coleen-torres/.
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