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Child Abuse Reporting Information & Resources

 
 
A child's safety is everyone's responsibility. That is why you should know the signs of child abuse, abandonment, and neglect. According to the Florida Department of Health, consequences of child abuse and neglect may include:
  • Mild to severe physical injuries
  • Sexually transmitted diseases and/or pregnancy
  • Emotional problems
  • Social withdrawal
  • Lack the ability to trust
  • Learning difficulties
  • Post traumatic stress disorder
  • Related disabilities
  • Tendencies towards revictimization
  • Long-term behavioral problems and chronic health problems
  • Death
 
 
According to the CDC, at least 1 in 7 children have experienced child abuse and/or neglect in the past year and in 2018, nearly 1,770 children died of abuse and neglect in the United States. Rates of child abuse and neglect are five times higher for children in families with low socio-economic status compared to children in families with higher socio-economic status (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, n.d).
 

The Florida Abuse Hotline, (800) 96-ABUSE, accepts reports 24 hours a day and 7 days a week of known or suspected child abuse, neglect, or abandonment and reports of known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

 

Reporting options include:                                                                                        

  1. By Telephone 1-800-96ABUSE  800-962-2873
  2. By Faxing the linked form to 800-914-0004:  https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/docs/faxreport.pdf
  3. Florida Relay 711
  4. By TTY 800-955-8771
  5. Web Reporting https://reportabuse.dcf.state.fl.us

The preferred option to report child abuse and neglect is to call (800) 96-ABUSE and talk directly to an Abuse Hotline counselor. This option must be used in all cases of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation that involve emergency situations.
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