The more you know about child abuse, the more you can do.
Parents share the responsibility of caring for their children with teachers, sitters, grandparents—even the parents of other children. Learn to recognize the signs.
Signs of Neglect
- Unsuitable clothing for weather
- Dirty or unbathed
- Extreme hunger
- Lack of supervision
Physical Signs of Child Abuse
- Unexplained burns, cuts, or bruises
- Bite marks
- Problems in school
- Fear of adults
Emotional Signs of Child Abuse
- Apathy
- Depression
- Lack of concentration
- Eating disorders
Sexual Signs of Child Abuse
- Inappropriate interest or knowledge of sexual acts
- Nightmares and bed wetting
- Fear of a particular person or family member
Change a child’s life forever.
Identifying and reporting child abuse is everyone’s responsibility.
Children rely on their parents and loved ones to protect them. If you are the child’s parent or guardian, you have the legal obligation to protect your child. Child abuse frequently takes place behind closed doors. Anyone who knows of or suspects that a child is being abused has a legal responsibility contact local authorities. Failure to report suspected child abuse is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,500 or imprisonment up to 180 days, or both. Reports may be made anonymously and are completely confidential.
Important facts to know about reporting suspected child abuse.
- If you permit your child to be placed in a situation where injury may occur, you may be prosecuted for child abuse.
- The fact that the abuser is your spouse or other family member does not affect your obligation to report, or shield you from being involved with the legal proceedings resulting from your responsibility as a parent.
- Reports of child abuse or neglect made in “good faith” and “without malice” are confidential and immune from civil liability. The law provides for immunity from civil or criminal liability for innocent persons who report even unfounded suspicions, as long as the report is made in good faith.
Report child abuse on the web.
Suspected child abuse can be securely reported on the txabusehotline.org web site.
Report child abuse by phone.
Texas Abuse Hotline
1-800-252-5400
(24 hour a day / 7 days a week)
Information you must have in order to report suspected abuse:
- The child’s name, age and address
- A brief physical description of the child
- Current injuries, medical problems, or behavioral problems
- The names of parents and siblings in the home