To report suspected child abuse or neglect in Nebraska call:
Child Abuse Hotline
1-800-652-1999
Possible Signs of Abuse
CHILD PHYSICAL ABUSE
o Unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones or black eyes
o Fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school
o Frightened of parents and does not want to go home
o Shrinks at approach of adults
o Reports injury by a parent or other caregiver
o Extreme watchfulness or vigilance
o Bullying smaller children
o Extreme fear of parents or caregiver
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
o Has difficulty walking or sitting
o Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities
o Reports nightmares or bedwetting
o Experiences a sudden change in appetite
o Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior
o Becomes pregnant or contracts an STI
o Runs away
o Reports sexual abuse by a parent or other caregiver
o Sexual knowledge beyond what is age appropriate
o Recurring pain or itching in genital or anal areas
o Frequent bladder or urinary tract infections
o Unexplained regression or fear
o Sexual acting out behavior
CHILD NEGLECT
o Frequently absent from school
o Begs or steals food or money
o Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations or glasses
o Consistently dirty and has severe body odor
o Insufficient clothing for the weather
o Abuses alcohol or other drugs
o States that there is no one at home to provide care
o Often hungry in the morning
o Poor hygiene
o Underweight, poor growth, failure to thrive
EMOTIONAL NEGLECT
o Extremes in behavior such as overly compliant or demanding, extreme passivity or aggression
o Inappropriately adult or infantile
o Delayed in physical or emotional development
o Has attempted suicide
o Reports lack of attachment to parent
