Child abuse and neglect is a widespread and dangerous problem. In Nevada, the number of reports for suspected child abuse and neglect has continuously increased year over year. Individuals can call Crisis Support Services of Nevada 24/7 at 1-833-803-1183 to report child abuse.
How to Report Child Abuse
If you suspect and have a reasonable cause to believe child abuse has occurred or may be occurring, you should report that person as soon as possible to local authorities, Child Protective Services, or by calling Crisis Support Services of Nevada’s 24-hour crisis line at 1-833-803-1183. A person with reasonable cause that makes a report does not have to provide proof that abuse has occurred as an investigation is the responsibility of Child Protective Services and/or law enforcement.
Incoming calls to report child abuse that are made during normal business hours are transferred to the appropriate agency, and after-hours reports are taken by Crisis Support Services of Nevada staff for all overnight, weekend and holiday hours. All child abuse and neglect related reports will be directed to Division of Child and Family Services, Child Protective Services or law enforcement in the appropriate county depending on the level of urgency involved.
Child Protective Services (Reno)
Child Protective Services(Las Vegas)
Child Protective Services (Elko)
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Warning Signs of Child Abuse
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is non-accidental, deliberate and intentional physical injuries to a child. Physical abuse can include shaking, biting, burning, cutting, twisting of limbs and excessive punishment. Some physical abuse indicators can include:
- Arm or leg dislocation or sprains
- Broken and/or fractured bones bruises
- Bites, burns, cuts, lacerations and injuries to internal organs, bites, burns, punctures, disfigurement, etc.
- Fear of going home
- Exhibits behavioral extremes, such as aggression or withdrawal
- Wary of adults
Emotional Abuse
This type of injury can result in observable and substantial impairment of a child’s behavior and includes excessive verbal assaults on a regular basis, like put-downs, threats, sarcasm, screaming or blaming. Indicators can include:
- Poor appetite
- Daytime toilet accidents
- Antisocial behavior
- Depression and/or attempts of suicide
- Exhibits extreme behavior, such as overly aggressive or passive
- Failure to thrive
Sexual Abuse & Exploitation
Sexual assault against a child happens when bribes or threats are used to engage a child, 16 years or younger, to perform sexual activities that are not limited to rape, oral sex, anal intercourse, incest, fondling or obscene remarks. Child exploitation includes, but is not limited to: taking pornographic photos or movies of minors, promoting prostitution of minors, obscene phone calls or inappropriate exposure of genitalia. Some indicators of sexual abuse and/or exploitation may include:
- Sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge
- Depression
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Delinquency or running away
- Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
- Painful, itching, bruised, bleeding or inflamed genital or anal areas
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Child Neglect
Child neglect is an endangerment of a child because of the lack of standard attention, treatment and care required by the caregiver. Failure to provide food, shelter, education, medical care, supervision or other necessary care are forms of neglect. Indicators can include:
- Constantly hungry
- Has poor hygiene
- Underweight or exhibits other signs of malnutrition
- Development delays
- Speech problems
- Dressed inappropriately
- Unattended physical problems or medical abandonment
- Begs or steals food
- Exhibits constant fatigue
- States there is no caregiver
If you have any questions or need to report report child abuse, please call Crisis Support Services of Nevada: 1-833-803-1183
FAQs About Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse
Child Protective Services (CPS) is required by Nevada law to investigate reports of suspected child abuse and neglect. Their focus is to protect children from harm and to make sure that children live in safe environments. The actions taken by Social Services are determined by the family`s situation. Efforts must be made to help families overcome problems, but sometimes children must be removed from their homes to ensure their safety.
Reasonable discipline is not considered abuse. The following factors are considered when determining “reasonable discipline”:
- The child’s age
- The child’s physical or psychological conditions or disabilities
- The frequency and duration of the discipline
- The location of the physical discipline (example: face or buttocks)
- The use of an instrument (belt, cord, whip, etc)
Nevada law allows a parent or guardian to “spank” a child as a form of discipline, but an injury cannot be left on a child.
Persons making a report of suspected child abuse or neglect can’t be prosecuted or sued if the report is made without malicious intent. According to Nevada law, the person and agency receiving the report must maintain the anonymity of the person making the report.
