To report a case of child abuse, call the Abuse Hotline at 1 800 96ABUSE Learn More Facebook You Tube
Located at the Marilyn Kapner Levin Center for Children’s Advocacy and Child Abuse Prevention and the Allen R. Levin Family Advocacy and Education Wing

Recognizing child abuseA little knowledge could save a child's life

Every year in Escambia County over 7000 reports of suspected child abuse are received by the Department of Children and Families. Child abuse comes in many forms – physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect – and recognizing child abuse isn't easy.

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Some possible signs of child abuse are:

  • Any change in a child's behavior
    • an outgoing child becomes withdrawn or vice versa
    • a child's grades start dropping
    • a child is unable to sleep
    • a child regresses to an earlier stage of development, such as bed-wetting
    • a child becomes fearful
    • a child displays self-harm or aggression to other children
  • Frequent bruises or broken bones
  • Frequent absences
  • Social isolation
  • Inadequate hygiene

The thing to remember is that it is NOT your job to KNOW whether abuse is occurring or not – it is your job to report ANY concerns. Under Florida law, anyone who suspects a child may be abused or neglected has a legal responsibility to report it. Make the call, get a professional set of eyes and ears on that child, and save a life.

For more tips on spotting child abuse, go to:

Reporting abuse

It's mandatory under Florida to report abuse if you see it happening or suspect that it's occurring. Abuse may be reported by calling the Abuse Hotline at:

Telephone: 1-800-962-2873
TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf): 1-800-453-5145

* This toll free number is available 24/7; counselors are waiting to assist you.
Learn about fax and web reporting options by following this link to MyFLFamilies.com:
http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/abuse-hotline/howtoreport

Know Child Abuse

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