{"id":351613,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:54","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/child-abuse\/where-to-get-help-for-child-abuse.html"},"modified":"2025-02-18T15:14:11","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T20:14:11","slug":"where-to-get-help-for-child-abuse","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-abuse\/where-to-get-help-for-child-abuse.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Recognize and Report Child Abuse"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

How To Recognize and Report Child Abuse<\/h1>\n
\n
\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

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
\n

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

\n

Child abuse is the physical, sexual, emotional mistreatment, or neglect of a child by a parent, guardian, or other responsible person. Recognizing the signs of child abuse is crucial, such as unexplained injuries, fear of going home, and extreme behavioral changes. Immediate reporting to authorities or child protective services is essential if abuse is suspected, to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Child abuse laws are designed to prevent the abuse and neglect of children. These laws help everyone identify and report suspected cases of abuse and neglect. Each state has laws and resources to combat child abuse and neglect.<\/p>\r\n

It’s important to note that while criminal courts<\/a> try child abuse cases<\/a>, family courts typically handle cases that affect child welfare. If you need legal advice, a family law attorney<\/a> can assist you or your loved ones in navigating court proceedings, filing for protective orders, or handling other matters related to custody and support.<\/p>\r\n

Recognizing the Signs of Child Abuse<\/h2>\r\n

Child abuse victims often are too scared or ashamed to tell anyone what’s happening to them. Or they might be afraid that even if they do tell someone, they won’t be believed.<\/p>\r\n

This is especially true if the alleged abuser is a relative or family friend. Other victims may be in denial despite showing signs of abuse. Some abusers condition the victim to believe that abuse is normal.<\/p>\r\n

For these reasons, looking out for signs of child abuse is essential. Some of the warning signs of child abuse include:<\/p>\r\n