A prayer for those who need to report abuse.
May Infinite Wisdom
and Courage
be your guide.
Need to Report Abuse?
When in doubt, report.
Child abuse and neglect can happen to anyone.
- Call the child protective agency for your county listed below and/or your law enforcement.
- Don’t assume that someone else has made a report. As a human being, consider it a responsibility to report.
- You are protected by the law as long as you report in good faith.
Make a report when...
- There are obvious signs of physical or behavioral abuse or neglect,
- A child tells you about an instance of abuse or neglect,
- There is reason to believe a child is at risk or being harmed.
Things to know, if possible, when making a report:
- Child’s name, address, age and/or date of birth,
- Name and contact information of parent or guardian,
- Suspected abuser’s name and relationship to the child,
- Specifics of the abusive or neglectful situation,
- Evidence of knowledge of prior incidents,
- Other helpful information or concerns.
You can help and support the child by...
- Staying calm,
- Remaining non-judgmental,
- Allowing the child to tell his/her story.
- Do not make suggestions or lead the child.
- Reassure the child that the abuse is not his or her fault.
- Do not make promises you cannot keep.
- Thank the child for telling you.
Report to Child Protective Services.
Child Protective Services by county for Southeastern Wisconsin
