What Is Child Abuse?

An abused child is one who is less than 18 years of age and whose parent or caregiver (such as a babysitter, relative, teacher, etc.):

  Inflicts or allows to be inflicted serious physical injury by other ways than accidental means, such as hitting, punching, slapping, or kicking.
  Creates or allows to be created a substantial risk of such injury.
  Commits or allows to be committed a sex offense against a child, such as inappropriate touching, sexual harassment, forced intercourse, or molestation.

A maltreated child is one who is less than 18 years of age and whose physical, mental, or emotional condition has been impaired or is in danger of being impaired due to the parent or caregiver’s:

   Failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medial care or education.
   Failure to keep proper supervision or guardianship.
   Infliction of excessive corporal punishment.
   Abandonment of child.

There is never anything wrong with you or different about you that made the other person choose to hurt you. You are not to blame for what happened. It is never your fault, even if:

   You didn’t tell anyone right away.
   You didn’t say no or try to fight back.
   You like the person who hurt you.
   You were drinking or taking drugs.

What Should You Do If You Are In This Situation?

Tell someone you trust!!

If you find you are the victim of abuse, you may be afraid to tell anyone about it. This fear may come from someone threatening to hurt you, or telling you to keep it a secret, or maybe you even want to protect the people who are doing this to you. But if no one knows that you are being hurt, the abuse may continue and will cause problems for you later on and could even threaten your very life!

It is very important that you talk to someone that you trust. This could be a teacher, a counselor, a doctor, your coach or even a friend’s parents. The Kids’ Helpline at 716-834-1144 or toll free at 1-877-KIDS-400, is also a place to go to talk to someone who can help. It is our mission to help kids through tough times like this. No one deserves to be abused. So, even though it may be difficult for you to talk about it, one of the best things you can do to help yourself is to tell someone you trust or call the Kids’ Helpline.

Reporting Child Abuse And Neglect

Most professionals, including the counselors at the Kids’ Helpline, are required by law to report child abuse and neglect to the Department of Social Services. This can be really scary for some people, but it shouldn’t keep you from getting help. The purpose of this report is to identify suspected abuse or maltreatment so that you and your family can get help right away.

Abuse: Local Resources & Links

Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-342-3720

This is the hotline in Erie and Chautauqua counties to report suspected cases of child abuse and to notify the department of social services that you may be in danger. The hotline worker will take down information about the alleged abuse and will begin an investigation into the case.

Erie County Department of Social Services
478 Main Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 858-6691
1 (800) 342-3720

Case workers from Child Protective Services investigate cases of alleged child abuse throughout Erie County. Notify the above Child Abuse hotline if you suspect someone is being abused or if you need help.

Chautauqua County Department of Social Services
South County Office Building
110 East Fourth Street
Jamestown, NY 14701
(716) 661-8200
1 (800) 342-3720

Case workers from Child Protective Services investigate cases of alleged child abuse throughout Chautauqua County. Notify the above Child Abuse Hotline if you suspect someone is being abused or if you need help.

Child Advocacy Center

556 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 835-7807

The Child Advocacy Center provides advocacy and support to children ages 3 to 18 who have been traumatized by sexual assault or abuse.

Compass House

Business Office:

1451 Main Street

Buffalo, NY 14209

(716) 886-1351

Resource Center:

1451 Main Street

Buffalo, NY 14209

(716) 886-3066

Emergency Shelter:

370 Linwood Avenue

Buffalo, NY 14209

(716) 886-0935

http://www.compasshouse.org

Compass House provides a safe, supportive environment where youth are able to think clearly and rationally about their life and problems. They'll have a chance to work towards finding that stable place where they can grow and achieve their goals. And, above all, they won't do it alone.

Safe Place Program

All 30 Tops Markets/Martin's Super Food Store locations in Erie County, as well as each NFTA Metro bus are presently on board as Safe Place Sites in Erie County. To get help, all as youth has to do is go to any store, or Metro bus and say they need a Safe Place. Each Safe Place site will link the youth in crisis to Compass House where trained counselors will assist each youth to determine the best course of action.

Abuse: Additional Resources & Links

Childhelp USA: 1-800-4-A-CHILD

http://www.childhelpusa.org

This organization answers the national child abuse hotline and has a cool Kids Only web page on keeping yourself safe. Check it out!

Remember: It Is Never Your Fault If You Are Abused!