Signs & Symptoms of Abuse

To report suspected child abuse in Texas, call or file a report online with the Texas Abuse Hotline.

Call hotline

Report online

 

What is Child Abuse?

There are several different types of child abuse.

 

Physical Abuse

Physical injury that results in substantial harm to the child, or the genuine threat of substantial harm from physical injury to the child, including an injury that is at variance with the history or explanation given.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual conduct harmful to a child’s mental, emotional or physical welfare, including conduct that constitutes the offense of indecency with a child, sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault.

Neglect

The leaving of a child in a situation where the child would be exposed to a substantial risk of physical or mental harm, without arranging for necessary care for the child, and the demonstration of an intent not to return by a parent or guardian of the child.

Emotional Abuse

Inflicting mental or emotional injury to a child, and/or causing or permitting the child to be in a situation in which the child sustains a mental or emotional injury that results in an observable and material impairment in the child’s growth, development, or psychological functioning.

Signs & Symptoms of Abuse

Sometimes the child may show no physicals signs at all, so it’s important to note changes in behavior or routine. These are some of the most telling signs to look for.

 

Alterations in emotional behavior

Difficulty sleeping or changes in sleeping patterns

Mysterious or unexplained injuries

Reverting to less mature behavior

Changes in eating patterns

Fear of going home/seeing a particular person

Changes in performance at school

Inappropriate sexual behaviors

Lack of personal hygiene

Presence of or increase in risky behavior

Information to Provide

All reports are confidential. When you call the child abuse hotline, you will be asked to provide any information you have, including:

  • The child’s name, location, parents’ names and number of siblings (if any)

  • The alleged perpetrator’s relationship to the child

  • Brief description of the situation

  • Any injuries, medical or behavioral problems

For emergency situations, always call 911.