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Child abuse is an all too common problem.
According to child abuse statistics, about 900,000 children are the victims of child abuse and neglect in the United States each year, which result in about 1,500 deaths.
Included in these statistics are the many cases and stories of children who have recently been the victims of child abuse and neglect, including:
- 7-month-old David Coronado Jr. who is in a vegetative or minimally conscious state and just recently taken off life support after being abused by his parents (Dallas)
- 3-month-old Trinity Victoria died from blunt force trauma to her head, for which her father has been charged (Dallas)
- a 23-month-old baby who was sexually assaulted by his 26 year old baby sitter (Irving)
- a 2 1/2 year old in Forney who was severely beaten by her mother
- 6 year old Christopher Dotson who was beaten to death by his mother's boyfriend (Dallas)
- 3 month old Vanessa Ponce who was beaten to death (Oak Cliff)
These child abuse cases and stories should highlight how important it is to think about and report any suspected cases of neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, or medical neglect.
You can report child abuse using:
For example, in Texas, you can report child abuse at www.txabusehotline.org or by calling the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400.
Reporting child abuse is important.
While many states have mandatory reporting laws for certain people, including teachers and health professionals, according to Texas law, if you think that a child is being 'abused, neglected, or exploited,' and you don't report it to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, then you could be 'held liable for a Class B misdemeanor.' Plus a child won't be getting help.
Could you get in trouble for reporting suspected child abuse? No. The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services states that 'A person making a report is immune from civil or criminal liability provided they make the report in good faith, and the name of the person making the report is kept confidential.'
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