Rusk County Children's
Advocacy Center
What is Abuse?
Abuse is mental, emotional, physical, or sexual injury to a
child or failure to prevent such injury to a child
Signs of Abuse
Neglect:
Physical Abuse:
Sexual Abuse:
Reporting Abuse
Will the person know I've reported him or her?
Your report is confidential and is not subject to public
release under the Open Records Act. The law provides
for immunity from civil or criminal liability for innocent
persons who report even unfounded suspicions, as long
as your report is made in good faith. Your identity is
kept confidential.
What if I'm not sure?
If you have reason to suspect child abuse, but are not
positive, make the report. If you have any doubts about
whether or not it is abuse, call the hotline. They can
advise you on whether the signs you have observed are
abuse.
Texas Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-252-5400
Advocacy Center
What is Abuse?
Abuse is mental, emotional, physical, or sexual injury to a
child or failure to prevent such injury to a child
Signs of Abuse
Neglect:
- Obvious mal-nourishment.
- Lack of personal cleanliness, torn/dirty clothes
- Obvious fatigue or listlessness.
- A child unattended for long periods of time.
- Stealing or begging for food.
- Frequent absences or tardiness from school.
- Need for glasses, dental care, or other medical
attention.
Physical Abuse:
- Frequent unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts,
burns, or black eyes - Frequent complaints of pain without any obvious injury.
- Aggressive , disruptive behavior
- Lack of reaction to pain
- Passive, withdrawn, emotionless behavior.
- Unseasonable clothes hiding arms, legs.
Sexual Abuse:
- Sexually transmitted disease or pregnancy.
- Evidence of injury to the genital area.
- Difficulty sitting or walking.
- Frequent expressions of sexual activity between adults
and children. - Extreme fear of being alone with adults,especially if of
a particular gender. - Sexually suggestive, age inappropriate, or promiscuous
behaviour. - Sexual victimization to other children.
- Complaints of painful urination.
- Knowledge about sexual relations beyond what is age
appropriate.
Reporting Abuse
Will the person know I've reported him or her?
Your report is confidential and is not subject to public
release under the Open Records Act. The law provides
for immunity from civil or criminal liability for innocent
persons who report even unfounded suspicions, as long
as your report is made in good faith. Your identity is
kept confidential.
What if I'm not sure?
If you have reason to suspect child abuse, but are not
positive, make the report. If you have any doubts about
whether or not it is abuse, call the hotline. They can
advise you on whether the signs you have observed are
abuse.
Texas Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-252-5400
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