About Child Abuse Child Abuse Prevention Month Links to Sites of Interest Statistics About Child Abuse   Collaborations   About ACS Report Suspected Abuse or Neglect If you suspect abuse or neglect is occurring, report it -- and keep reporting it -- until something is done. Call the child abuse hotline. 1-800-252.5400 Enter your email address below to receive email updates and newsletters.

child abuse warning signs of abuse Recognize the warning signs. The behavior of children may signal abuse or neglect long before any change in physical appearance. Abused children may seem: Nervous around adults or afraid of certain adults Reluctant to go home (coming to school early or staying late for example)  Very passive and withdrawn or aggressive and disruptive Tired a lot or they may complain of nightmares or not sleeping well Fearful and anxious Remember the risk factors. Child abuse and neglect occur in all segments of our society, but the risk is greater in isolated families and those where parents have problems with drugs or alcohol.                                  Information from Child Help USA   long-term consequences of child abuse and neglect An estimated 906,000 children were victims of child abuse or neglect in 2003 (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2005). While physical injuries may or may not be immediately visible, abuse and neglect can have consequences for children, families, and society that last lifetimes, if not generations. This fact sheet provides an overview of some of the most common physical, psychological, behavioral, and societal consequences of child abuse and neglect, while acknowledging that much crossover among categories exists. Click here for the fact sheet. effects of abuse on the brain Trauma is a major reason why abused children are more likely to become depressed, suicidal, aggressive, anxious, hyperactive, and impulsive. The traumatized brain can become chemically “sensitized” to danger making the abused child more reactive and hyper vigilant, constantly on alert for danger in the environment. Read the article. did you know? More than 50% of children under age five who are victims of homicide are killed by a parent.                                             Bureau of Justice Children most likely to be abused are handicapped or retarded, small preemies, children with a "will of their own"  (inquisitive, demanding) and unwanted children.                                  Prevent Child Abuse Texas One of every seven victims of sexual assault reported to law enforcement agencies were under the age of six.                                                           Child Help USA