Childhelp

What is Child Abuse and Neglect?

Child maltreatment impacts every person and every family

Now is the time to talk about child abuse with family, friends and loved ones. Stand up for safer childhoods.

Childhood trauma, adult impacts

Long-term outcomes of maltreatment reach far into adulthood

Adverse childhood experiences are linked to shorter lifespans, mental health disorders & a range of negative adult health impacts.

Get the facts on child abuse

Childhelp helps children

Our work helps children stay safe and heal from trauma

Childhelp’s programs and services, with more than 50 years of experience, provide care for victims and education to keep kids safe

Childhelp stands for safer children

Ordinary folks, extraordinary love

Our volunteers share time, raise funds & open hearts

Whether organizing fundraisers, joining events or staffing programs, Childhelp volunteers do it all for the love of a child

Learn how you can help

Get help now

There’s no better time than now to begin a better future

Whether you’re a victim needing help, family, or friend, the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline will be there for you.

1-800-4-A-CHILD

Our Mission

Childhelp exists to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. We focus our efforts on advocacy, prevention, intervention, treatment and community outreach.

Activity

Childhelp has answered a question
On Feb 07, 2018

How are substance abuse and crime and child maltreatment connected?

Substance abuse and crime and child maltreatment are tragically and undeniably connected. Following are some examples of the link between substance abuse, crime and child maltreatment: In a stud...
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Childhelp has answered a question
On Feb 07, 2018

At what age are children most likely to die from child abuse?

Children most likely to die from child abuse are very young in age. In one report more than 70 percent of the children who died as a result of child abuse or neglect were two years of age or younge...
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Childhelp has answered a question
On Feb 07, 2018

What health problems can come as a result of child abuse?

Child abuse can result in many different health problems. In one study, 80 percent of 21-year-olds who reported childhood abuse met the criteria for at least one psychological disorder. In another ...
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Childhelp has answered a question
On Aug 26, 2016

What is physical neglect in children?

Physical neglect in children is when children do not have enough care to be healthy and enough supervision to be safe. To avoid physical neglect, adults that care for children must provide clothing...
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Childhelp has answered a question
On Aug 26, 2016

What is physical abuse of a child?

Physical abuse of a child includes striking, kicking, burning, biting, hair pulling, choking, throwing, shoving, whipping or any other action that injures a child. Even if the caregiver didn’...
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Childhelp has answered a question
On Aug 26, 2016

What should I do when a child is disclosing abuse?

The following points may be useful when a child is disclosing abuse: Avoid denial. A common reaction to a child’s disclosure is denial. Respect the child by listening to what he or she ha...
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Childhelp has answered a question
On Aug 26, 2016

What is emotional abuse in children?

Emotional abuse in children is when a parent or caregiver harms a child’s mental and social development, or causes severe emotional harm. While a single incident may be abuse, most often emot...
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Childhelp has answered a question
On Aug 26, 2016

What is emotional neglect in children?

Emotional neglect in children is when children do not get enough affection and attention to feel loved and supported. If a child shows signs of psychological illness, it must be treated. Examples o...
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Childhelp has answered a question
On Aug 26, 2016

What factors can help my child feel safe?

Factors that can help your child feel safe include secure, loving relationships with parents and caregivers and compassionate relationships between peers. Feelings of safety and empathy, prevent bu...
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Childhelp has answered a question
On Aug 26, 2016

Which children are most vulnerable to abuse?

There is no way to know which children are most vulnerable to abuse, but there are some factors for abuse and neglect risk to be aware of Child factors: very young children children with d...
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Childhelp has answered a question
On Aug 26, 2016

What are the symptoms of sexual abuse of a child?

Symptoms of sexual abuse of a child include the following signs: Physical: difficulty sitting, walking, bowel problems torn, stained, bloody undergarments bleeding, bruises, pain, swelli...
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Childhelp has answered a question
On Aug 26, 2016

How can our family protect my child from potential abuse?

Your family can protect your child from potential abuse by following a model that many groups use to protect children from abuse and build stronger families, by nurturing "protective factors.&...
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Childhelp has answered a question
On Aug 26, 2016

How can I provide a safe environment for a child to disclose abuse?

To provide a safe environment for a child to disclose abuse, make sure the setting is confidential and comfortable. Avoid communicating with shock, horror or fear about anything said, even though w...
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Childhelp has answered a question
On Aug 26, 2016

What should I do if I suspect a child is being abused?

If you suspect that your child or another child is being abused, report it to the proper authorities. When reporting child abuse to the appropriate authorities, it is important to have the followin...
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Childhelp has answered a question
On Aug 26, 2016

How do children disclose abuse?

When children disclose abuse, the disclosures can be direct or indirect. Following are some ways a child may disclose abuse Most likely a disclosure will be indirect, which can mean the child d...
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