Child Abuse

What is Child Abuse?

Oregon Revised Statute (ORS) 419B.005, defines a “child” as an unmarried person who is under 18 years of age, or is under 21 years of age and residing in or receiving care or services at a child-caring agency (ORS 418.205).

As described in ORS 419B.005 , “Abuse” includes:

  • Any assault of a child and any physical injury to a child which has been caused by other than accidental means, including any injury which appears to be at variance with explanation given of the injury.
  • Other types of Child Abuse include: Any mental injury which includes observable and substantial impairment to child's ability to function; Rape; Sexual abuse or exploitation; Allowing a child to engage in prostitution; Negligent treatment including failure to provide adequate care; Threatening harm to child's health or welfare; Buying or selling a child; Permitting a child to enter or remain in a place where methamphetamines are being manufactured; or Unlawful exposure to a controlled substance or to the unlawful manufacturing of a cannabinoid extract that subjects a child to a substantial risk of harm to the child’s health or safety.

How do I Know?

Indicators of child abuse include but are not limited to:

  • Physical Abuse: If you notice a child that has bruising or marks that never seem to go away, or if their explanation for the injuries do not seem to be realistic given the nature or frequency of the injuries.
  • Sexual Abuse: If a child has advanced sexual language, behavior or knowledge for their age, a sudden change in behavior, or an unusual fear of a certain person or place. (Visit Darkness to Light for more information.)
  • Neglect: If you notice a child that is improperly dressed for the weather, constantly wears the same unwashed clothing, does not appear to have their hygiene needs met, or are constantly hungry.
  • If child abuse is suspected, it should ALWAYS be reported.

What do I do if I Suspect Abuse, but I am not Certain?

Contact the non-emergency number for your local Law Enforcement and ask for guidance. (See Other Resources law enforcement section tab.)

Certainty is not required. Suspected child abuse should always be reported.

How and to Whom do I Report Abuse?

Contacts and resources are listed below. Make a report by telephone or otherwise to Department of Human Services Statewide hotline, or to a Law Enforcement Agency within the county where the person making the report is located. In an emergency dial 911. If you make a report or leave a voice message and don’t receive a response, call again.

Am I a Mandatory Reporter?

Mandatory reporters are any public or private official having reasonable cause to believe that any child has suffered abuse. A specific list can be found at: https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ABUSE/Pages/mandatory_report.aspx

Where can I get help for a child or teen? ( See Other Resources tab)

Call 911 if you believe a child is in immediate danger.

If danger is not immediate call Non-Emergency Dispatch and request Law Enforcement to make a child abuse report. (See Other Resources law enforcement section tab.)

Call DHS Central Reporting at 855-503-7233 to make a child abuse report. (See Oregon.gov for information.)

File an Order of Protection for you or your child’s safety. (See Orders of Protection tab and OregonLawHelp.)

Research resources to assist the teen or child. (See Other Resources tab, OregonLawHelp, and Cascade Youth.)

Research legal options for child custody or parental support. (See Other Resources legal section tab and Courts.Oregon.)

Call or visit the Kids Center website for child abuse resources and information. (See Other Resources tab)

For Teen Dating Violence visit the Domestic Violence tab and Love is Respect website for more information.

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