You Suspect Someone is Being Abused
Three million cases of child abuse are reported each year. One million of those reports are valid. Act now! A child’s life may depend on it.
If you suspect a child in Benton County is being abused, please call the Children's Advocacy Center of Benton County at 1-866-621-0385.
Or please call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-482-5964
There are physical and behavioral signs that may be clues that a child is being abused or neglected.
- A child tells you they are being abused, physically or sexually
- Unexplained bruises; bruises of different ages; bruises where the explanation doesn’t match what you see
- Cigarette burns; patterned burns (like an iron); burns that cover an entire foot or hand
- Unexplained broken bones
- Runs away
- Wears concealing clothes
- Comes to school early and stays late
- Fear of adults
- Child keeps a low profile
- Are overly compliant or very aggressive
- Advanced sexual knowledge for their age
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- Excessive masturbation
- Age regressive behaviors (sucking thumb, bedwetting…)
- A sudden drop in grades
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Torn or bloody underwear
- Bruises or bleeding of the genitalia or genital pain and itching
- Few or no friends
- Constantly hungry or dirty
- Child is left unsupervised
- Unattended medical problems
- Very small or thin for their age
- Begging or stealing food
- Constantly tired
- No interest in their surroundings
- Frequent school absences
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Arkansas Law Required Abuse Reporters
People in these professions are required by Arkansas Law to report suspected child abuse.
- Doctors, surgeons, interns and osteopaths
- Coroners
- Licensed Nurses
- Medical personnel engaged in admission, examination, care or treatment
- Teachers, school officials, school counselors and daycare workers
- Social workers, family service workers, child or foster care workers
- Mental health professionals
- Peace officers
- Law Enforcement officers
- Members of Clergy
- Anyone who suspects abuse may report
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