Child abuse happens when a child:
- has a physical injury by other than accidental means
- is subjected to willful cruelty or unjustifiable punishment
- is abused or exploited sexually
- is neglected by a parent or caretaker who fails to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care or supervision
If you see or suspect abuse, you should report it as soon as possible. The county is responsible for investigating suspected abuse – that’s not your job. And your report is confidential – neither the abused person nor the abuser will be told who made the report. You can report abuse any time, any day. The phone line is answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.