What is Child Abuse​?
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is generally described as any non-intentional physical injury to a child. It does not necessarily include the intend to injure; may be the result of over disciplining or inappropriate punishment. For more specific information please speak with your local law enforcement agency.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse includes but is not limited to molestation, incest, rape, prostitution, or use of a child for pornographic purposes, physical/ direct contact (touching, feeling, fondling, or attempted rape) non-physical/ no touch (indecent exposure, talking about sex designed to shock or interest a child, allowing a child to hear sexual acts). For more specific information please speak with your local lawenforcement agency.
Emotional Mistreatment
Blaming, belittling, rejection, harsh verbal abuse or threats, unequal treatment of siblings, and generally a lack of concern for a child's well being.
Neglect
Inattention to the basic needs of a child such as food, water, shelter, medical care and supervision. Tends to be a chronic or ongoing pattern.
Reporting Child Abuse
An oral report must be made immediately (generally within 48 hours of discovery) to the nearest child protective services office or to your local law enforcement agency. Anyone who reports a case in good faith is generally immune to civil and criminal liability. Again the report must be made in "good faith" and without "malice aforethought"
Who To Call: IN MISSOURI - 1-800-392-3738
Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline Operated by the Missouri Department of Social Services. Children's Division is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. State law requires DSS to respond to the information you provide in a timely manner. If you live outside Missouri and want to report abuse or neglect of a Missouri child, call 573-751-3448.