LEARN MORE

Small boy sitting beside a stuffed bear about the same size as he is.

EDUCATE YOURSELF ABOUT

CHILD ABUSE

Know thy enemy ... and how to defeat them.

Types of abuse

PHYSICAL ABUSE

Does not necessarily include the intent to injure; may be the result of over-disciplining or inappropriate punishment.

SEXUAL ABUSE

Includes but is not limited to molestation, incest, rape, prostitution, or use of a child for pornographic purposes.

Physical/direct contact, such as touching, feeling, fondling, or attempted rape.

Non-physical/without touching, such as indecent exposure, talking about sex designed to shock or interest a child, or allowing a child to hear sexual acts.

EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Blaming, belittling, rejection, harsh verbal abuse or threats, unequal treatment of siblings, and the general lack of concern for a child's well being.

NEGLECT

Inattention to the basic needs of a child such as food, water, shelter, medical care and supervision. Tends to be a chronic or ongoing pattern.

Small girl sitting, hiding in a window with her hands covering her face.

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE

Oral reports must be made immediately

to the nearest Child Protective Services Office or to your local law enforcement agency.

Anyone who reports a case in good faith and without malicious intent is generally immune to civil and criminal liability.

*For more specific information, please check with your local law enforcement agency.

IF YOU SUSPECT CHILD ABUSE
CALL 1-800-4-A-CHILD
A NATIONAL CONFIDENTIAL HOTLINE

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

SUPPORT KIDS AND PARENTS
TO REDUCE THE STRESS THAT OFTEN
LEADS TO ABUSE AND NEGLECT

Two GOC members holding hands with a small GOC protected child between them, walking along the road.

BE A FRIEND TO A PARENT YOU KNOW

Ask how their children are doing. Draw on your own experiences to provide reassurance and support. If a parent seems to be struggling, offer to babysit or run errands, or just lend a friendly ear.

Show you understand.

BE A FRIEND TO A CHILD YOU KNOW

Remember their names.

Smile when you talk with them.

Ask them about their day at school.

Send them a card in the mail.

Show you care.

TALK TO YOUR NEIGHBORS ABOUT LOOKING OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER'S CHILDREN

Encourage a supportive spirit among parents in your apartment building or on your block.

Show that you are involved.

GIVE YOUR USED CLOTHING, FURNITURE AND TOYS
TO ANOTHER FAMILY

Help relieve the stress of financial burdens that parents sometimes take out on their kids.