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# What are some signs of child abuse or neglect?
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/some_signs_of_child_abuse_or_neglect_3003100924/
- Published: 2010-03-30T21:23:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:11:15.000Z
- Description: A guide listing warning signs of child abuse and neglect in the child, the parent and their relationship, with hotline numbers including the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.422.4453.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Government, Health News, #vivvo-import

If you know or suspect that a child has been abused, neglected, or exploited, contact your local law enforcement and/or child protective services agency as soon as possible. You may also call the [toll-free child abuse hotline in your state](http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/reslist/rl%5Fdsp.cfm?rs%5Fid=5&rate%5Fchno=11-11172&ref=foodconsumer.org). If your state does not have a hotline, call the National Child Abuse Hotline.

**The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline can be reached at 1.800.4.A.CHILD (1.800.422.4453).**

If you believe you have information about the domestic trafficking of children for sex within the U.S., you may [report the exploitation online](https://secure.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/CybertipServlet/?ref=foodconsumer.org) to the [Innocence Lost National Initiative](http://www.fbi.gov/innolost/innolost.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) or by calling 1.800.THE.LOST (1.800.843.5678).

The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect.

The child:

- Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
- Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents' attention
- Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes
- Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
- Lacks adult supervision
- Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn
- Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home

The parent:

- Shows little concern for the child
- Denies the existence of, or blames the child for, the child's problems in school or at home
- Asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves
- Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome
- Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve
- Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs

The parent and child:

- Rarely touch or look at each other
- Consider their relationship entirely negative
- State that they do not like each other

For more information on child abuse, please view answers to [frequently asked questions](http://faq.acf.hhs.gov/?ref=foodconsumer.org) on the [Administration for Children and Families (ACF)](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=6910&p%5Fsid=F6BcPbYj&p%5Flva=7264&ref=foodconsumer.org) website.

Finally, April is [National Child Abuse Prevention Month](http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth/?ref=foodconsumer.org), a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families.

**Additional Resources:**

- [Report Child Pornography](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=6108&p%5Fsid=F6BcPbYj&p%5Flva=7264&ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [National Center for Missing and Exploited Children](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=6134&p%5Fsid=F6BcPbYj&p%5Flva=7264&ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE)](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=7178&p%5Fsid=F6BcPbYj&p%5Flva=7264&ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [Important Phone Numbers Related to Children and Family Issues](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=7335&p%5Fsid=F6BcPbYj&p%5Flva=7264&ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [Child Welfare Information Gateway](http://www.childwelfare.gov/?ref=foodconsumer.org)