MIDLAND, Texas —
Child abuse can take multiple forms like physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and even medical abuse, according to Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center's (MRCCAC) Education Coordinator, Haley Cano.
There are signs though that people can look out for to spot possible child abuse.
“Some physical signs would be maybe children that look unclean. Some behavioral signs would be, you know, if a child has regressed," Cano said. "A lot of the times, teachers that spend more one-on-one time with the child can tell if you know they've had different behavioral changes or you know if you're just in public, maybe a child that seemingly doesn't want to go home with a certain parent or something like that could be a sign.”
There are those that would rather not get involved with situations dealing with child abuse, but Cano said Texas law is pretty clear on the responsibilities of the average person on reporting child abuse.
“So, in the state of Texas, it's a common misconception that not just anybody is a mandated reporter," Cano said. "But again, in the state of Texas, if you're 18 years old or older, you are mandated to report child abuse if you suspect it by law.”
So where does someone go to voice their concerns about potential child abuse?
“So, you can go online to the texasabusehotline.org and that's with the Department of Family and Protective Services and you can report the abuse online that way. If you feel like the abuse is an emergency, meaning a child is maybe going to go home that night with their abuser, then that would be considered an emergency and so you would actually call the Texas Abuse Hotline number in that situation," Cano said. "And honestly, if you feel like a crime is being committed against a child, call law enforcement.”
For more information go to mrccac.org or call (432) 682-7273.
The MRCCAC is also hosting a free Recognize and Reporting Child Abuse Training over Zoom on Sept. 24.