REPORT ABUSE (334) 427-7900

More than 1 million children are victims of child abuse and neglect each year, according to state child protective service agencies.  Many victims don’t receive help because they are not reported to the system.  These abused and neglected children span all ages, races, religions and socio-economic backgrounds.

Child maltreatment includes actions that result in imminent risk of serious harm, death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation of a child under age 18 by a parent or caretaker.

Reporter information is confidential.

IF YOU KNOW OR SUSPECT CHILD ABUSE, PLEASE CALL THE COVINGTON COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT (334) 427-7900.

Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

PHYSICAL ABUSE
  • Unexplainable changes in the child’s body or behavior
  • Any injury (bruise, burn, fracture, abdominal or head injury) that cannot be explained
  • Is always watchful and “on alert,” as if waiting for something bad to happen
  • Shies away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, or seem afraid to go with someone
  • Appears afraid of adults
  • Wears inappropriate clothing to cover up injuries (i.e. long-sleeved shirts on hot days)
  • School failure
  • Headaches or stomachaches with no medical cause
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
  • Behavioral change tends to reflect the anxiety that results from a stressful situation
  • Depression
  • Apathy
  • Lack of Concentration
  • Reports a lack of attachment to the parent
  • Excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something wrong
  • Acts either inappropriately adult (i.e. taking care of other children) or inappropriately infantile (i.e. rocking, thumb-sucking, tantrums)
  • Extremely passive or aggressive behavior
SEXUAL ABUSE
  • Extreme sexual behavior that seems inappropriate for the child’s age
  • Genital pain or bleeding, as well as sexually transmitted disease
  • Doesn’t want to change clothes in front of others or participate in physical activity
  • Runs away from home
  • Has trouble walking or sitting
  • Nightmares or bedwetting
  • Has a sudden change in appetite
  • Fear of a particular person or family member
NEGLECT
  • Frequently absent from school
  • Steals food or money
  • Consistently poor hygiene
  • Lacks the appropriate clothing for weather
  • Is frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in unsafe situations or environments
  • Lacks needed medical or dental care