Child Abuse

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 and Additional Resources & Links

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