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To Report Suspected Child Abuse Call the DCF Central Intake Line at 1-800-649-5285
What is Child Abuse?
Children who are abused and neglected may suffer immediate physical injuries such as cuts, bruises, or broken bones, as well as emotional and psychological problems, such as impaired social-emotional skills or anxiety.1
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There are five common types of abuse:
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Physical Abuse
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Sexual Abuse
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Emotional Abuse
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Child trafficking/Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)
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Neglect
Child abuse and neglect and other adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, can also have a tremendous impact on lifelong health and well-being if left untreated.
For example, exposure to violence in childhood increases the risks of injury, future violence victimization and perpetration, substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections, delayed brain development, lower educational attainment, and limited employment opportunities.
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Chronic abuse may result in toxic stress, which can change brain development and increase the risk for problems like post-traumatic stress disorder and learning, attention, and memory difficulties.
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