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Child Abuse

What If I Suspect a Child Is Being Abused?

If you suspect a child is being abused, call your local police, child protective services, or sheriff's office.

The Administration for Children and Families, Department of Health and Human Services also has a web page on "How to Report Suspected Abuse" with toll free telephone numbers for each state.

What if I can't prove that a child is being abused?

It is not up to you to "prove" child abuse. If you have any suspicions that a child is being abused, report it to the proper authorities and let them do their job, which is to investigate.

For more information:

Go to the Child Abuse health topic, where you can:

Last Reviewed: Oct 26, 2001

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Robert Shapiro, MD
Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
Department of Emergency Medicine
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
University of Cincinnati