Emergency
Immediate danger
Call 911 if a child faces an emergency or life-threatening situation.
Call 911Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention
Know the signs.
Be a voice for children.
Awareness starts with understanding. Learn what to notice, how to respond, and where to turn when a child needs help.
Understanding Child Abuse
Abuse can take different forms.
Select a category to learn more.
Physical Abuse
Injury or a serious threat of injury caused by actions such as hitting, shaking, burning, or other physical harm.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional harm that seriously affects a child’s development or psychological health, including severe belittling, rejection, or threats.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual contact, exposure, or exploitation involving a child. Sexual behavior or knowledge beyond a child’s developmental age can be a warning sign.
Neglect
Failure to meet essential needs such as food, shelter, supervision, or medical care. Financial hardship alone does not establish neglect.
Recognize the Signs
Pay attention.
Take concerns seriously.
Changes in a child’s behavior or well-being may signal a need for help.
A warning sign alone does not prove abuse. If you suspect abuse or neglect, report your concern rather than trying to investigate it yourself.
- Injuries without a clear explanation
- Fear of going home
- Withdrawal or major behavior changes
- Significant changes in weight
- Unmet medical or dental needs
- Hygiene concerns that affect health
- Being left without appropriate supervision
- Sexual behavior beyond developmental age
When a Child Speaks Up
Your response matters.
Listen calmly and help the child feel supported.
Listen and reassure
- Stay calm and allow the child to speak in their own words.
- Take what they say seriously.
- Reassure them that the abuse is not their fault.
- Show care and concern.
- Take action by reporting suspected abuse.
Keep the focus on support
- Avoid pressing for details or asking repeated questions.
- Do not confront the person suspected of abuse.
- Do not blame the child or minimize their feelings.
- Avoid promises you cannot keep.
- Leave investigative questions to trained professionals.
Take Action
How to report suspected abuse.
Texas law requires a person who suspects child abuse or neglect to report it immediately.
Texas reporting requirements ↗
Available 24/7
Texas Abuse Hotline
Call for urgent concerns or situations needing action within 24 hours.
1-800-252-5400Non-urgent concerns
Report online
Use the secure DFPS website for situations that do not need immediate investigation. Online processing may take more than 48 hours.
Open Texas Abuse Hotline ↗DFPS requires your first and last name and a home or business phone number for child abuse reports. Reporter identities are confidential under law. Anonymous reports may be made to law enforcement.
BCAC’s general email and website inquiry form are not abuse-reporting channels.
Prevention Through Education
Help your community
recognize and respond.
Free training • Available at your facility
BCAC offers expert-led training for schools, churches, businesses, first responders, and community groups.
- Child Abuse Prevention
- Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse
- First Responder / Multidisciplinary Team Training
- Internet Safety