Identifying
Child Abuse
Knowing how to identify child abuse can be the difference between a child suffering in silence and a child finally being believed, protected and given the opportunity to heal.
Every report matters — your awareness and action could save a child’s life.
Suspect Abuse?
​Call 1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD
What is Neglect?
What is
Neglect?
Neglect is the act of leaving a child without appropriate supervision and in a situation where the child is exposed to a substantial risk of harm and/or not meeting the needs of the child such as food, clothing, shelter, education or medical treatment.
What is Physical Abuse?
What is
Physical Abuse?
Physical abuse is defined as injury or threat of injury to a child. This includes an injury that is at variance with the explanation given and excludes injuries that were sustained from a reasonable accident or appropriate discipline.
This can also include failure to reasonably protect the child from such abuse.
What is Sexual Abuse?
What is
Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is sexual conduct, including, but not limited to, indecency with a minor, sexual assault, photographing, filming or depicting the child in an obscene or pornographic manner or permitting the making of the content. This can also include failure to reasonably protect the child from such abuse.
Source: Arkansas Code, § 12-18-103
Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect
Physical injuries, changes in behavior and fearfulness around certain adults are all red flags of potential abuse. Spotting these signs is reason enough to ask questions and set boundaries. Learn the signs of neglect and abuse and what to do next.
Abused and neglected children may appear consistently dirty, have severe body odor or lack sufficient clothing for the weather.
Neglected children may show signs of weight loss, sunken eyes, constant fatigue, extreme hunger or attempts to beg for or steal food.
Neglected children may have untreated medical or dental needs or experience recurring preventable illnesses.
Abused children may have unexplained burns, bruises or injuries that do not match the explanation provided.
Abused children may appear scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn or unusually aggressive.
Abused children may express fear, anxiety or reluctance about leaving school or being around a specific person.
Abused children may begin thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, fearing the dark or strangers or losing previously acquired language or memory skills.
Abused children may experience changes in eating habits that result in noticeable weight gain or weight loss.
Abused children may have frequent nightmares, difficulty sleeping or appear consistently tired and fatigued.
Abused children may struggle to concentrate in school or have frequent absences, sometimes due to efforts to hide injuries.
Abused children and teens may engage in high-risk behaviors such as drug use, alcohol use or carrying weapons.
Sexually abused children may display overly sexualized behavior or use explicit sexual language.
90% of children know their abuser
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How to Report Child Abuse in Arkansas
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline at
1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD. Trained professionals are available 24/7 to take your report, offer guidance and connect you with helpful resources. If you have reason to believe a child’s life is in immediate danger, dial 911 now.
In Arkansas, mandated reporters — including teachers, healthcare workers and clergy — must immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline or via the online portal. Failure to report can lead to legal consequences.