Child Abuse

What is Child Abuse

Child abuse can happen when a parent, caregiver, or another individual hurts a child. This can include physical harm, sexual contact that is not okay or unwanted, constant yelling or insults, not giving the child food or care, or making the child see or hear violence.

Children who experience abuse may feel scared, guilty, or forced to keep secrets. They may have trouble trusting adults, fall behind in school, or act differently, such as becoming very quiet or very aggressive. Abuse often happens in places where children should feel safe, like their home, school, or religious community, and sometimes it is not noticed for a long time.

Reporting abuse can be hard because children may feel afraid, embarrassed, or loyal to the person hurting them. When abuse is reported, support can come from adults who are required to report concerns, like teachers or doctors, as well as child welfare workers, therapists, foster care programs, or child advocacy centers that help protect and support children.

Victims May Be Feeling or Experiencing

Physical Symptoms

Someone who has been through child abuse might notice changes in their body that feel confusing. They might get headaches or stomachaches, have trouble sleeping, or feel tired all the time. They may feel tense or jumpy, or their body might hurt even when they didn’t get injured. These symptoms happen because the body remembers stress, even after the abuse is over.

Psychological Distress

Child abuse can cause many strong and difficult emotions. A person might feel sad, scared, or upset without always knowing why. They may think about the past a lot, have trouble focusing, or feel overwhelmed by their feelings. Sometimes they might feel numb or “shut down.” These reactions are common and are the mind’s way of trying to deal with painful experiences.

Self-Blame

Many people who have been abused think the abuse was their fault, even though it never is. They may wonder what they did wrong or feel ashamed about what happened. They might think they should have acted differently or told someone sooner. These thoughts are common, but they are not true. Children are never responsible for the harm done to them.

Fear

A person who has survived child abuse might still feel afraid, even when they are safe now. Certain people, places, or sounds may remind them of the past and make them feel worried or on edge. They might find it hard to trust others or fear getting hurt again. This fear is a normal response that comes from trying to stay safe after going through something very scary.

Resources & Support

Help is available. You don’t have to face this alone.

National Child Abuse Hotline

Statewide

County Resources

Santa Clara County

Solano County

Resources & Support

Confidential help is available 24/7. You don't have to face this alone.

National Sexual Assault Hotline

Alameda County

Contra Costa County

Marin County

Monterey County

Napa County

Sacramento County

San Benito County

San Francisco County

San Mateo County

Santa Clara County

Santa Cruz County

Solano County

Sonoma County

Know Your Rights

Your rights if you’re experiencing child abuse include

To be safe. No one is allowed to hurt you; not at home, at school, or anywhere else.
You have the right to tell someone. If a parent, family member, teacher, coach, or anyone else is hurting you, you can tell a trusted adult like a teacher, school counselor, nurse, or police officer.
To be listened to and taken seriously. Adults should not ignore you or say you’re lying if you say you’re being hurt.
To get help. There are agencies that can step in to help keep you safe, and make sure you have a safe place to live.
To go to school, get food, and live in a clean, safe place. Adults are supposed to take care of you, not scare you or make you feel unsafe.

To ask questions and understand what’s happening. If people are helping you, like social workers, doctors, or police, you can ask them to explain things in a way that makes sense to you.
To stay in touch with people you care about, like your siblings or safe family members, unless a judge says it’s not safe.
To talk to someone about how you feel. That could be a counselor, therapist, or another safe adult. It’s okay to ask for help if you’re scared, sad, or confused.
To keep your body private. No one should touch you in a way that makes you uncomfortable. If someone does, it’s not your fault, and you can tell someone.
To a future where you feel safe, cared for, and supported. Things can get better, and there are people who want to help.

Sources

Child Welfare Information Gateway

California Department of Social Services

National Child Abuse Hotline or 1-800-422-4453

California Victim Compensation Board

KidsHealth