Child abuse is defined as any act to harm or to threaten harm to a child’s health or welfare which can occur through non-accidental physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or attempted sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or attempted sexual exploitation. Child abuse and neglect has become one of the more common causes of death and injury to children not only in the United States, but worldwide.
Most often, when there is evidence of spousal abuse or animal abuse, children are also being abused. The following are alarming facts about child abuse and neglect in the United States.
If you suspect any child abuse, neglect, or endangerment please adhere to the following procedures:
- CALL THE HOTLINE AT 1-800-392-3738, The Children’s Division staff this hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. They will take information from you and respond to child abuse and neglect. If you live outside Missouri and want to report abuse or neglect of a Missouri child, call (573) 751-3448.
- HAVE COMPLETE INFORMATION, Children’s Division needs specific information to be able to respond to a complaint of abuse or neglect. Be sure you have:
- the name of the child
- the name of the parent(s)
- the name of the alleged abuser
- where the child can be located
You will also be asked:
- Is the child in a life-threatening situation now?
- How do you know about the abuse/neglect?
- Did you witness the abuse/neglect?
- Were there other witnesses and how can they be contacted?
- Notice to Mandated Reporters, Effective August 28, 2004: If you are required to report child abuse or neglect because of your occupation, you may no longer make an anonymous call to the Hotline.
- CONSIDER IDENTIFYING YOURSELF, If you are not required by occupation to report, you don’t have to identify yourself when you make a hotline call, however being able to contact you later helps CD workers do a more thorough investigation. They may need to ask you for more information during the investigation process.
For more information on reporting child abuse, please contact the Missouri Division of Social and Senior Services athttp://www.dss.mo.gov/cd/rptcan.htm
