Reporting CSA
If you suspect that your child or not your child is being sexually abused based on something you have witnessed or a child told you the abuse is happening, then it is your responsibility to report it.
You do not need to have proof that abuse is happening to make a report. You can only have a reasonable suspicion. This means that is you see signs or symptoms that a child has been or is being sexually abused, or a child discloses about abuse, then you can make a report.
A Good Faith Report:
A good faith report is you making a report for reasonable suspicion of sexual abuse, which includes any of the following:
-You see physical signs of sexual abuse (see signs and symptoms section).
-You saw a youth or adult crossing boundary violations.
-You interrupted a boundary violation, and the youth or adult continues to cross boundaries.
-You got a disclosure of sexual abuse or boundary violation from a child.
What do I need to Make a Report?
If you do not know some of this information, that is okay, still make a report! Child Protective Services (CPS) will guide you through questions and do not expect you to know everything. Here is an idea of some of the information you need to make a report:
-Name of the potential child victim
-Age of the child.
-Address of the child.
-Contact information of the parents or caregivers of the child.
-Type of abuse suspected.
-Reason for making the report (what you saw, such as physical signs , or what was disclosed to you).
-Other children or people within the home.
-If known, the name of the potential perpetrator/ abuser.
-If known, when the child disclosed to you or when you first started to notice signs.
-If known, when was the last time the child was abused.
Who do I call to make a Report?
-Each state and county has their own number to call. You can search your county’s CPS and add, “hotline number.” If you are having trouble finding the number, click the link below and head to Darkness to Light’s website for state-specific resources and numbers.
https://www.d2l.org/get-help/resources/
Here are some additional resources that could be useful for you:
Remember, you are not alone and there are many resources to support you in making a report!
Darkness to Light Helpline (1-866-FOR-LIGHT) or text LIGHT to 741741
-This helpline gives 24/7 assistance for local resource referrals and answering questions.
Childhelp (1.800.4ACHILD) or text HELP to (800.422.4453)
-This helpline offers services in the United States and Canada and is staffed 24/7. They provide help in over 170 languages. All the calls are confidential. This hotline also offers offers crisis intervention, information, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources.
National Sexual Assault Hotline (1.800.656.4673)
-Available 24/7
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Cyber Tipline (1.800.843.5678).
-This hotline provides information about how to report online sexual exploitation of a child or if you suspect that a child has been inappropriately contacted online. The center will make the information available to law enforcement so they can investigate.