Child Abuse and Neglect

Table of Contents

1. Child Abuse and Neglect
2. What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
3. Physical Abuse
4. Sexual Abuse
5. Child Neglect
6. When you suspect abuse or neglect
   1. What happens when you make a report of abuse or neglect
7. Domestic Violence and Children
8. Preventing Child Abuse
9. References

When you suspect abuse or neglect

Every state requires health care professionals to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the state Child Protective Services agency, or to the local law-enforcement office. The specific procedure for reporting varies from state to state. In Texas, for example, all cases are reported to a central intake office in Austin, either via a toll-free number:

800-252-5400

or via a secure website:

http://www.txabusehotline.org

Note that the website should only be used for non-urgent cases, and does not allow for anonymous referrals.