You do not need to have proof that abuse is occurring to make a report, only reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion means that you have witnessed physical or behavioral signs of maltreatment, either in the child or parent/caregiver, or both. Or, you have received a disclosure from a child about abuse, neglect, or boundary violations towards them.
Learn more about reporting child abuse
Learn more about reporting as a mandated reporter
Who to Report to:
If an adult responsible for a child such as a parent or a guardian is suspected of sexually abusing a child, contact your local child protection services. Call the National Childhelp Child Abuse Hotline (1-800) 422-4453 or RAINN's National Sexual Assault Hotline 800.656.HOPE (4673) for guidance and to be directed to the proper service in your area.
If an adult who is not in a caregiving position with a child is suspected of sexual abuse, the local police should be notified.
Concerns about child pornography can be reported to either the local police or anonymously to cybercrime tiplines like NCMEC 1-800-THE-LOST / CyberTipline or the Internet Watch Foundation.
