REPORT SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE 

• Any person or institution who has cause to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected is required by law to report.
• If you make a report in good faith, you will receive immunity from possible civil or criminal liability that might result from your report. However, failure to report a suspected case of child abuse can be punished as a misdemeanor.
• Anyone suspecting child abuse has the right and responsibility to report it.

You can make a report by:

• calling 911 
• Visiting or call the Richmond County Department of Social Services:  (910) 997-8400

About Reporting:

• Your report to DSS can be anonymous. You do not have to give your name when making a report.
• You do not need to prove that abuse has taken place; you only need reasonable grounds for suspicion.
• You do not need permission from parents or caregivers to make a report. You do not need to inform them you are making a report.
• You do not need permission from your workplace to make a report, but there may be guidelines to help you make a report.

If a child discloses abuse to you…

• When a child tells you that they have been abused, they may feel scared, guilty, ashamed, angry, and powerless. You may feel a sense of outrage, disgust, sadness, anger, and sometimes disbelief.
• However, you need to remain calm and in control of your feelings to reassure the child that something will be done to keep him or her safe.

Things to consider…

• Abuse is rarely one physical attack or one isolated incident. Often there is a pattern of behavior that occurs over a period of time. A child may find it difficult to tell anyone that the abuse occurs. The child may "act out" to express their hurt or anger.
• It is important to remember that even if you see signs, this does not necessarily mean that the child has been abused. The symptoms will vary according to the type of abuse, its intensity, and the child's age.
• Some children who are abused display no signs. For this reason, it is important to listen carefully to any child who tells you about an act of abuse. In addition, be aware of unexplained changes in children's behavior with whom you have regular contact.