{"id":351612,"date":"2025-05-13T14:00:08","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T19:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/child-abuse\/how-to-press-charges-for-child-abuse.html"},"modified":"2025-05-13T14:06:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T19:06:48","slug":"how-to-press-charges-for-child-abuse","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-abuse\/how-to-press-charges-for-child-abuse.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Press Charges for Child Abuse"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Press Charges for Child Abuse<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Pressing charges for child abuse involves reporting suspected abuse to law enforcement or child protective services. If their investigation confirms abuse, the case is forwarded to prosecutors who decide whether to file criminal charges. This process ensures that the abuser can be legally held accountable, potentially leading to arrests, trials, and penalties such as imprisonment or fines. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Nobody wants to learn that their child is a victim of abuse or neglect. This is especially true when your child is suffering from child sexual abuse<\/a>. As a parent, all you want to do is protect your child. This may seem impossible when it comes to child abuse.<\/p>\r\n

When you suspect that someone is abusing your child, you may want to take matters into your own hands. However, the only way to get real justice is to report the abuse and press criminal charges<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

In this article, we\u2019ll briefly discuss the different types of child abuse and explain how to press charges for child abuse<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

If you know or suspect that someone is hurting your child, contact law enforcement or your state’s child protection agency right away. You also might want to consider getting help from a lawyer.<\/p>\r\n

A local family law<\/a> or domestic violence attorney<\/a> can help you navigate the process of obtaining protective orders, pursuing child abuse charges, and dealing with law enforcement. They’ll work hard to hold the perpetrator accountable.<\/p>\r\n

Most Common Types of Child Abuse and Neglect<\/h2>\r\n

Every state has strict laws on child abuse and child neglect<\/a>, including laws on reporting suspected abuse. If you suspect child abuse, you should report it immediately. This is true whether the victim is your child or not.<\/p>\r\n

It\u2019s vital to know and be able to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. It\u2019s also essential that you communicate your suspicions to the local authorities, including your state\u2019s Department of Child Protective Services<\/a> (CPS).<\/p>\r\n

The most common types of child abuse<\/a> include:<\/p>\r\n