In immediate danger? Call 911. To report abuse, call 1-800-422-4453.

A nonprofit for families

Learn to see it.
Find the courage to stop it.

We help parents and caregivers recognize the signs of child abuse and act with confidence. Start with our interview series, where parents and experts share what they have learned.

Watch the seriesSupport our work

The interview series

Real conversations, real guidance

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38 min
Featured episode

What every parent wishes they had known sooner

A conversation about the quiet signs that something is wrong, how to ask a child the right way, and what to do the moment you feel unsure.

Dr. Lena OrtizChild psychologist, 20 years in family trauma

26 min

Talking to kids so they feel safe telling you the truth

A parent shares what helped his children open up, and what shut them down.

Marcus BellFather of three, abuse survivor

31 min

The warning signs teachers notice first

How professionals spot early changes, and how families can do the same at home.

Priya NairElementary school counselor

29 min

What to do in the first 24 hours

A clear, calm walkthrough of reporting, protecting the child, and what comes next.

Officer Dana ColeChild protective services liaison

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New conversations released regularly. Subscribe so you do not miss one.

Know what to look for

Recognizing the signs

No single sign means abuse is happening. But knowing the patterns helps you ask the right questions and trust your instincts.

Changes in behavior

Sudden withdrawal, fearfulness, aggression, or a return to younger behaviors like bedwetting or thumb sucking.

Physical clues

Unexplained bruises, burns, or injuries, especially ones that do not match the explanation given.

Fear of a person or place

A child seems anxious or distressed around a specific adult, or resists going to a particular home or activity.

Shifts in mood or sleep

New nightmares, trouble sleeping, depression, or a loss of interest in friends and things they once loved.

Knowledge beyond their age

Language or behavior about adult topics that does not fit the child's age or stage.

Avoiding home

Reluctance to go home, arriving early, staying late, or running away.

If you are worried about a child

What you can do today

You do not have to be certain to act. Reporting a concern is not an accusation. It is a request for trained people to take a careful look.

National Child Abuse Hotline

1-800-422-4453

Free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, every day. In an emergency, always call 911 first.

01

Stay calm and listen

If a child tells you something, believe them. Let them speak in their own words. Do not press for details or react with alarm.

02

Keep the child safe

Make sure the child is not alone with the person you are worried about while you figure out the next step.

03

Report it

Call the national hotline at 1-800-422-4453, or your local child protective services. You do not need proof to make a report.

Our mission

Every child deserves a safe childhood

Halt Child Abuse exists to put knowledge in the hands of the people closest to children. Through honest interviews, plain language guides, and a community of caregivers, we help families recognize abuse early and respond with confidence. We believe most harm can be prevented when adults know what to look for and feel ready to act.

1 in 7
children experience abuse or neglect each year
90%
of abuse is by someone the child knows and trusts
24/7
help is available the moment you reach out