Reporting

If you suspect a child is being sexually abused, getting the proper help and support is vital. Typically, the situations that require reporting are:

• A child and/or adult shows numerous and consistent warning signs of abuse or being at risk to abuse
• A child has stated that he or she is being abused by an adult
• A child has stated that another child has been engaging in sexually harmful behaviors with him or her
• A child states that he or she has sexually harmed another child
• An adult has stated that he or she has sexually abused a child
• An individual has become aware of child pornography online
• An adult is aware of another adult or child who is viewing child pornography

If an adult who is responsible for caring for a child is suspected of sexually abusing a child, then the local child protection services should be contacted. 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 cyber crime tiplines.