What do you do?

When child abuse is occurring, there are several ways to report it. If a child is in immediate danger from child abuse or neglect, obviously someone should call 911 immediately. Also anyone suspected that a child is being abused can report it to their state child abuse hotline or call the Childhelp National Abuse Hotline. The hotline is dedicated only to child abuse and has accumulated over 2 million calls since it began in 1982. If someone isn't sure if they want to report abuse officially or they just need support, there are different hotlines and child advocacy centers. If a child reports or talks to their parents about abuse, there are a few suggestions to keep in mind. As a parent, they can avoid denial and remain calm, don't interrogate, and reassure the child they did nothing wrong. It takes a lot for a child to come forth and talk about abuse so those are some ways to help them. People often get scared to report child abuse because many things are going on in their minds. Some common questions/comments people have before reporting child abuse is, I don't want to interfere with someone else's family, what if I break up someone's home, they will know it is me if I call it in, and it won't make a difference what I have to say anyway. To me it seems as though people shouldn't worry about those things and get the child safe. Calling a hotline is anonymous, so that wouldn't even matter. Also the effects are lifelong whereas the other things are just short-term and wouldn't keep a child safe at all. If someone doesn't interfere with someone else's family then a child is just going to suffer. Also everything someone has to say will help in one way or another so a report should always be made.