It is difficult for children to report abuse. Sexual abuse is overwhelming to children, especially when an adult is involved. Most children are taught to trust adults. They tend to believe what adults tell them is true, rather than to rely on their own feelings. This makes it hard for the child in two ways:
If a child has made an allegation of abuse, either physical or sexual, reports can be made to DFCS or at 1(855)-GA-CHILD.
The best way to help neglected or abused children is to prevent the neglect or abuse from happening. When neglect is suspected, however, reporting it is essential, and in many cases, it's the law. A report is not an accusation; it is merely a request for an investigation and possible help for the family.
To make a child neglect or abuse report, call your county's Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call the police. Remember, your identity and all information you provide are strictly confidential.
Certain individuals are mandated by law to report suspicions of child abuse. Failure to do so can result in legal liability.
The following persons, having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused, shall report or cause reports of that abuse to be made according to PART V MANDATORY REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE SECTION 5-1:
Physicians licensed to practice medicine, interns, or residents; Hospital or medical personnel; Dentists; Licensed psychologists and persons participating in internships to obtain licensing pursuant to Chapter 39 of Title 43; Podiatrists; Registered professional nurses or licensed practical nurses licensed pursuant to Chapter 24 of Title 43 or nurse's aides; Professional counselors, social workers, or marriage and family therapists licensed pursuant to Chapter 10A of Title 43; School teachers; School administrators; School guidance counselors, visiting teachers, school social workers, or school psychologists certified pursuant to Chapter 2 of Title 20; Child welfare agency personnel, as that agency is defined pursuant to Code Section 49-5-12; Child-counseling personnel; Child service organization personnel; or Law enforcement personnel; or Reproductive health care facility or pregnancy resource center personnel and volunteers.
Law Enforcement of Newton County
- If the abuser tells the child that what is happening is OK, the child may doubt his or her own feelings that it is not.
- If a parent's initial reaction is to doubt an allegation of child abuse, the child may wonder if his/her own feelings are wrong.
If a child has made an allegation of abuse, either physical or sexual, reports can be made to DFCS or at 1(855)-GA-CHILD.
The best way to help neglected or abused children is to prevent the neglect or abuse from happening. When neglect is suspected, however, reporting it is essential, and in many cases, it's the law. A report is not an accusation; it is merely a request for an investigation and possible help for the family.
To make a child neglect or abuse report, call your county's Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS). If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call the police. Remember, your identity and all information you provide are strictly confidential.
Certain individuals are mandated by law to report suspicions of child abuse. Failure to do so can result in legal liability.
The following persons, having reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused, shall report or cause reports of that abuse to be made according to PART V MANDATORY REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE SECTION 5-1:
Physicians licensed to practice medicine, interns, or residents; Hospital or medical personnel; Dentists; Licensed psychologists and persons participating in internships to obtain licensing pursuant to Chapter 39 of Title 43; Podiatrists; Registered professional nurses or licensed practical nurses licensed pursuant to Chapter 24 of Title 43 or nurse's aides; Professional counselors, social workers, or marriage and family therapists licensed pursuant to Chapter 10A of Title 43; School teachers; School administrators; School guidance counselors, visiting teachers, school social workers, or school psychologists certified pursuant to Chapter 2 of Title 20; Child welfare agency personnel, as that agency is defined pursuant to Code Section 49-5-12; Child-counseling personnel; Child service organization personnel; or Law enforcement personnel; or Reproductive health care facility or pregnancy resource center personnel and volunteers.
Law Enforcement of Newton County
- Newton County Sheriff's Office - (678) 625-1400
- Covington Police Department - (770) 786-7605
- Porterdale Police Department - (770) 786-2217
- Walton County Sheriff's Office - (770) 267-6557
- Loganville Police Department - (770) 466-8087
- Monroe Police Department - (770) 267-7576
- Social Circle Police Department - (770) 464-2366