Child Abuse

More coming soon!

National Child Abuse Prevention Month 2023 Outreach Toolkit (pdf to download)

cover of outreach toolkit from National Child Abuse Prevention Month 2023 — Communication Tools to Spread the Word #ChildAbusePreventionMonth #ThrivingFamilies

Check out the video below to learn more about the work of Children’s Advocacy Centers!

Recognizing the signs of child abuse (pdf to download)

What to do if a child discloses abuse (pdf to download)

Learn more about child forensic interviews below:

Download the forensic interviewing brochure above here in ENGLISH: NMCSAP-Brochure-Parents-Digital
Descargue el folleto de entrevistas forenses arriba aquí en ESPAÑOL: GUÍA DE ENTREVISTAS FORENSES – Para Padres

Some Signs a Child is Not Safe

Physical abuse

Child appears frightened of the caregiver.
Child has burns, bites, broken bones, bruising, black eyes, orcomplaints of pain.
Caregiver offers no explanation of a child’s injury, the parent “blames” the child’s behavior or personality for the injury. Ask yourself “Does the story match the injury?”

Sexual abuse

Child attaches very quickly to strangers or new adults in their environment.
Demonstrates unusual sexual knowledge or behavior for their age.
Difficulty walking or sitting.
Witnessing an adult inappropriately touching a child, watching pornography with a child, or saying sexual things to a child.

Emotional Abuse

• Child shows extremes in behavior: overly aggressive or compliant.

• Appears emotionally unattached to caregiver and others.

• Caregiver constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child, and refuses to help the child when needed.

Neglect

Child begs or steals food, has severe poor hygiene or states that no one at home provides care.
Witnessing a child using alcohol or other drugs.
Highly stressful family situations and/or adults in home abusingalcohol or other drugs.
Unlocked weapons or guns in the home.

Where To Report 24-hour/7 days a week

Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline

In New Mexico, to report child abuse or neglect, call the Statewide Central Intake (SCI) number at CYFD (Children, Youth, and Families Department):

1-855-333-7233 or call #SAFE (#7233) from a cell phone.

!NEW! You can now send texts to CYFD at 505-591-9444

Looking for more information? Brochures to download:

Top Ten Important Questions For Kids – A brochure about kids rights, privacy, respect, abuse and sexual abuse

Las 10 Mejores Preguntas Importantes Para Los Niños – Un folleto sobre los derechos de los niños, la privacidad, el respeto, el abuso y el abuso sexual

Parent Empowerment – A guide to helping your child in the aftermath of sexual abuse

Empoderamiento de los Padres – Una guía para ayudar a su hijo después del abuso sexual

Talking To Your Children About Sex – How to use open discussions about sex, privacy, respect and values to prevent the sexual abuse and exploitation of children and teens. (Disponible en Español)

Prevent Child Sexual Abuse – A brochure with facts about sexual abuse and how to prevent it.

Protecting Children with Disabilities from Sexual Assault: A Parent’s Guide (Disponible en Español)

Safe Strong and Free: What Can I do About Secret Touching/Child Sexual Abuse? – A brochure for young children to prevent sexual abuse and to assist those children who have already been abused. (versión española)

Seguro, Fuerte, Libre y a Salvo –

Let’s Talk: Speaking Up to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse – A brochure about speaking up to prevent child sexual abuse.

Do Children Sexually Abuse Other Children? – A brochure about preventing sexual abuse among children and youth.

Interviewing Children with Disabilities: A Guide for Forensic Interviewing

A Guide For Friends and Family of Sexual Violence Survivors (PCAR) – A guide for family and friends of sexual assault survivors to understand what the survivor may be going through.

Please contact us here if you have any questions about brochures available: https://nmcacs.org/contact-us/

updated 10/30/24