Reporting Sexual Abuse

IF YOU SUSPECT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE:

• DO believe the child—Don’t walk away.
  
  
• DON’T try to investigate.
  
  
• DO report reasonable suspicions by calling anytime 24-hours per day:
  
  
  • Midland Police Department — 685-7110
  • Midland Co. Sheriff’s Office — 688-1223
  • Texas Child Abuse Hotline — 1-800-252-5400
  • National Child Abuse Hotline — 1-800-4-A-CHILD

IN ADDITION:

• When you make a report, be specific. Tell exactly what happened and when. Be sure to record all injuries or incidents you have observed, including dates and time of day and keep this information secured. Record any medical or behavioral indicators that lead you to reasonably suspect sexual abuse.
  
  
• Reports should be made as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before physical signs start to fade. It is important for the investigators to be able to see any physical signs.
  
  
• Give the agency person any information you have about the relationship between the child and the suspected abuser.
  
  
• Please provide at least the following information in your report.
  
  
  • Name, age, and address of the child
    
  • Brief description of the child
    
  • Current injuries, medical problems, or behavioral problems
    
  • Parents names and names of siblings in the home

For more information on reporting child sexual abuse visit the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services or Childhelp USA websites.

WHAT IF I'M NOT SURE?

If you have reason to suspect child abuse, but are not positive, make the report. If you have any doubts about whether or not it is abuse, call the Child Abuse Hotline or law enforcement. They can advise you on whether the signs you have observed are abuse.