Identifying and Reporting

 Abuse

This page will help you identify and report abuse. This is extremely important to your safety.

​What is Abuse?

Mandatory Reporters

Abuse, as defined by Oxford Dictionary, is to treat a person or animal with cruelty or violence​​, especially regularly or repeatedly. Abuse comes in many forms that include physical, sexual, emotional, financial, and legal.

According to The Social Degree Guide, "A mandated reporter is a person who, because of his or her profession, is legally required to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the relevant authorities. These laws are in place to prevent children from being abused and to end any possible abuse or neglect at the earliest possible stage." In California, according to the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act, mandatory reporters are teachers, social workers, police officers, and clergy. These are the first people you should report abuse to, because they are legally obligated to file a report.

How to Identify Abuse

Taking Refuge

In Your Own Life

How do you know if you are being abused? Well, there are several factors than can help you figure this out. If you are sexually violated by someone, this is sexual abuse. If you are being punched, kicked, slapped, etc. you are being physically abused. If someone is constantly making you feel like crying, bringing down your self esteem, or putting you in a position where you are overflowing with anger, hate, sadness or depression, that is emotion abuse.

Often, you will read that the only way to get help is to talk to a "trusted adult". However, you will find that no one in the court system, like your guardian ad litem, is really going to help you. The unfortunate truth is that they care more about money than you. Just because they are mandatory reporters does not mean they will actually report abuse. You should still tell them your story, but do not rely on them to save you. Instead, you need to use your voice. Broadcast your abuse and your memories across the internet. Send your story to everyone you know, and get connections. Once connected to large organizations like Stop Abuse Campaign or Center for Judicial Excellence, they will be able to help you escape your abuser. Until then, if you are being physically or sexually abused, report everything and do your best to remove yourself from the situation. Do not be afraid to run away. Your life matters, and you must protect yourself at all costs.