Parent Resource Page
Concerns of Abuse
If your child or a child you know has been or is suspected of being abused, you should contact your local law enforcement and/or child protective services. In emergency situations call 911.
Report Child Abuse/Neglect
Ohioans that suspect child abuse or neglect can make reports by calling their local CPS agency or calling the statewide hotline:
1-855-OH-CHILD
1-855-642-4453
If your child or a child you know has been sexually assaulted within 72 hours for adolescents and 96 hours for children under 12, then they should be taken to a facility that has the ability to conduct a P-SANE or SANE examination. If you are unsure if the child advocacy center in your county has this response, you can contact them. If they do not, they will refer you to the closest medical center able to provide this response.
Signs of Sexual Abuse
-
Physical symptoms (injury, bleeding, soreness, discharge, STI)
-
Physical anxiety symptoms (stomach pain, headaches)
-
Emotional and mental health concerns (overachieving, withdrawal, self harm, clinical symptoms)
-
Behavioral concerns (fear, violence among peers, illegal activities, increased sexuality)
-
Substance abuse
-
School concerns (truancy, failing grades)
Signs of Physical Abuse
-
Frequent injuries (bruises, cuts, black eyes, burns)
-
Frequent pain without injury
-
Unusual patterns of injury (bite marks, cigarette burns)
-
Lack of reaction to pain
-
Behavioral concerns (scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn, aggressive)
-
Injuries following extended absence of child
-
Clothing that covers possible injuries (ex: long sleeves in the summer)
-
Abuses animals, pets, or other children
Signs of Maltreatment
-
Malnourishment (underweight, frequent physical illness, weakness)
-
Lack of personal hygiene posing a health risk
-
Lack of weather appropriate clothing
-
Stealing food or hoarding/hiding food
-
Child unattended for long periods of time
-
Unaddressed need for medical or dental care
-
Frequent absence from school
Human Trafficking and Online Exploitation
As defined by the Ohio Revised Code (R.C.) Section 2905.32 (Trafficking in Persons), Ohio’s legal definition of human trafficking is:
“(A) No person shall knowingly recruit, lure, entice, isolate, harbor, transport, provide, obtain, or maintain…another person knowing that the person will be subjected to involuntary servitude or be compelled to engage in sexual activity…”
“…For a prosecution under division (A)(1) of this section, the element "compelled" does not require that the compulsion be openly displayed or physically exerted. The element "compelled" has been established if the state proves that the victim's will was overcome by force, fear, duress, or intimidation, fraud, by furnishing or offering a controlled substance to the victim, or by manipulating the victim's controlled substance addiction.”
For minors under the age of 18, and for people with developmental disabilities, law enforcement officials do not need to prove that the minor was compelled to engage in commercial sexual activity. R.C. 2905.32 (A)(2)
If your child or a child you know has been or is suspected of being trafficked, you should contact your local law enforcement and/or child protective services. In emergency situations call 911.
Child Protective Services Reports
Ohioans that suspect child abuse or neglect can make reports by calling their local CPS agency or calling the statewide hotline:
1-855-OH-CHILD
1-855-642-4453
Report Human Trafficking
Ohioans that suspect human trafficking, including sex and labor trafficking, can report tips to Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Criminal Intelligence Unit utilizing the non-emergency hotline. For emergency situations, always utilize 9-1-1 instead of the hotline:
844-END-OHHT
844-363-6448
TEXT "ENDOHHT" to 847411
Use the App
Apple Android
Fill out Anonymous Tip Form Online
Globally, the world has developed technologically and we live in a digital world which means our children are also living in a digital world. While this can provide a lot of convenience and opportunity, it can also pose a danger to children for online predators. Some online exploitation can lead to more severe forms of abuse. It is important to educate children on healthy digital boundaries and digital safety.
Resource Support
Children and families impacted by abuse may benefit from a variety of supportive services including counseling, medical access, financial support, legal services, and more. This section includes links to some organizations that provide resources which may be helpful to children and families following abuse.