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Child Abuse Information |
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The first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect.
If the abuse is a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
To report suspected child abuse, in Orange County call the Child Abuse Registry (CAR) toll free at (800) 207-4466 or the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453).
You may be afraid to report child abuse because of possible repercussions to the child or yourself. You probably will be relieved to know that:
- The child abuse will be confirmed before the child is removed from the home. The authorities will investigate, and if your suspicions of abuse are correct, the child will then be removed from the home and placed in safe care.
- Reporting is anonymous. In most states, you do not have to give your name when you report child abuse. The child abuser cannot find out who made the report of child abuse.
Remember that suspected child abuse is sufficient reason to make a report to authorities. You do not need proof. Your call may save the life of a child.
What is Child Abuse?
California Law defines child abuse as any of the following:
- A child is physically injured by other than accidental means
- A child is subjected to willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment
- A child is abused or exploited sexually
- A child is neglected by a parent or caretaker who fails to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision.
There are four types of child maltreatment:
- Neglect is the failure to provide for a child’s basic needs including physical, medical, educational and, emotional needs.
- Physical Abuse is the physical injury (ranging from minor bruises to severe fractures or death) as a resulting punching, beating, kicking, biting, shaking, throwing, stabbing, choking, hitting, or otherwise harming a child.
- Sexual Abuse includes activities such as fondling a child’s genitals, penetration, incest, rape, sodomy, indecent exposure, and commercial exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic materials.
- Emotional Abuse is a pattern of behavior that impairs a child’s emotional development or sense of self-worth. This may include constant criticism threats, or rejection, as well as withholding love, support, or guidance.
Child Abuse Statistics:
For information regarding Orange County child abuse statistics please click on the link below:
Click here for Orange County Child Abuse Statistics
If you suspect that a CHILD is being neglected or abused, you should call the Child Abuse Registry at (714) 940-1000 or toll free at 1 (800) 207-4466.
Click on the link below to download:
Orange County Child Abuse Mandate Reporting Poster
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