Child Abuse

Child abuse consists of any act that endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional health and development. Child physical abuse includes any damage done to a child which cannot be reasonably explained and which is often represented by an injury or series of injuries appearing to be non-accidental in nature. 

FORMS OF CHILD ABUSE

Physical Abuse

Any act that causes non-accidental injury to a child. This includes abuse such as hitting, kicking, slapping, shaking, burning, pinching, hair pulling, biting, choking, throwing, shoving, whipping, and paddling. Corporal punishment or discipline that is excessive in nature also constitutes physical abuse. 

Sexual Abuse

Any sexual act between an adult and child. This includes fondling, penetration, intercourse, exploitation, pornography, exhibitionism, child prostitution, group sex, oral sex, or forced observation of sexual acts.

Neglect

Failure to provide for a child’s physical needs and safety. This includes lack of supervision, inappropriate housing or shelter, inadequate provision of food and water, inappropriate clothing for season or weather, abandonment, denial of medical care, and inadequate hygiene.

Emotional Abuse

Any attitude or behavior which interferes with a child’s mental health or social development. This includes yelling, screaming, name-calling, shaming, negative comparisons to others, telling them they are “bad, no good, worthless” or “a mistake" and other put-downs. 

Mandated Reporting

Service members are required to report any incident of child abuse to their command. Commanders and DoD civilian employees are mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect. All reports of child abuse and neglect are unrestricted by state and federal law; restricted reporting is not available. 

To report suspected child abuse, contact: 

  •  U.S. Army Provost Martial - Law Enforcement Division 
    • DSN: 315-764-4717
    • COMM: 0503-364-4717
  • USAG Daegu Family Advocacy Program
    •  DSN: 315-768-8129
    • COMM: 0503-368-8129
  • U.S. National Child Abuse Hotline at 001-1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

OCONUS Child Abuse Report Line: The Department of Defense has a designated line, 571-372-5348, for reporting of suspicions of child abuse in a Department of Defense child and youth program (CYP) or sanctioned activity.