We all share responsibility for protecting the women and children of our community from harm. Taking responsibility by reporting suspected child abuse is an important means to keep all children safe, and may also serve to connect families in need to crucial services and support.

What is sexual abuse?

Sexual Abuse: Is causing a child to engage in or to assist another individual to engage in sexually explicit conduct as well as conversation. Sexual abuse is also the production of pornographic material with the child…although the child is not touched, it is still a violation of the child’s right. Sexual abuse or exploitation does not have to occur.

Physical Neglect:

• Endangering a child’s life or health.
• Threatening a child’s well-being
• Causing bodily injury or impairing a child’s health development, or functioning due to:
• Repeated, prolonged or egregious failure to supervise a child, considering the child’s age and development
• Failing to provide a child with adequate essential food, clothing, shelter or medical care

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Sexual Abuse/Exploitation:

• Rape
• Statutory sexual assault
• Involuntary deviate sexual intercourse
• Sexual assault
• Institutional sexual assault
• Aggravated indecent assault​​
• Indecent assault

• ​Indecent exposure
• Incest
• Prostitution
• Sexual abuse
• Unlawful contact with a minor
• Sexual exploitation

Always report suspected harm to a child:

Pennsylvania provides needed services and supports both for cases of child abuse or neglect and for cases of non-abuse that require support and assistance. Child welfare professionals who receive your report will determine the type of assistance needed.