Quick
Exit

Child Abuse

What We Do

At Berkshire County Kids’ Place, we provide support, services, and resources to children, teens, and non-offending family members who are victims of traumatic events.

house-icon

What is Child Abuse?

Child abuse is defined as the physical or emotional injury of a child under the age of 18, including any sexual interaction between an adult and a child.

Child abuse encompasses child sexual abuse, physical abuse, witness to domestic violence/intimate partner violence, Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), and community violence.

Sexual Exploitation of Children

Human trafficking involves the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or sexual acts in exchange for money, food, shelter, clothing, education, or safety. In Massachusetts, human trafficking of children is known as Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC), which includes taking or sharing nude or sexual photos of individuals under 18.

  • Physical Abuse

    • Bruises, welts, cuts, burns or fractures–either unexplained or where the injury is not consistent with the explanation
    • Injury in an area where children don’t usually get hurt–the torso, back, neck, buttocks, thighs
    • Repeated injury suggesting a pattern of abuse
    • Delay in seeking medical treatment
    • Attempts by a caretaker to hide an injury or seclude the child

  • Sexual Abuse

    • Inappropriate sexual knowledge​​
    • Acting-out sex during play
    • Chronic depression/withdrawal
    • Poor self-esteem
    • Extreme change in weight or appearance
    • Difficulties at school or with peers
    • Pain or itching in genital or anal area
    • Bleeding/bruising in genital or anal area
    • Difficulty in walking or sitting
    • Sexually transmitted infections/pregnancy
    • Regression in toileting issues
    • Sleep disturbances

  • Neglect

    Child lacks adequate:

    • Food, shelter, clothing
    • Personal hygiene
    • Medical or dental care
    • School attendance
    • Supervision (i.e., young children left at home with either no caretaker or inappropriate caretaker)

    Child is exposed to:

    • Drug/alcohol abuse
    • Domestic violence
    • A known sexual predator
    • Verbal abuse
    • Emotional abuse

  • Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC)

    • Frequently missing or absent from care
    • Unexplained money, gifts, clothing, or hairstyles
    • New tattoo the child is reluctant to explain
    • Cell phone not purchased by parent/guardian
    • Multiple cell phones
    • Involvement with older males/females
    • Frequent truancy from school
    • Attire not appropriate for season/situation
    • Found in an area known for prostitution
    • Behaviors consistent with PTSD (fear, hyper-vigilance, etc.)

Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

Signs and symptoms of child abuse may be difficult to detect, as the abuse may be subtle or intentionally hidden. While one sign alone may not indicate abuse, any of the following signs may signal a need for intervention.

If You Suspect Abuse

If a child has approached you for help or if you suspect that child abuse or neglect is occuring, you should immediately contact the Department of Children & Families (DCF) at 413-236-1800, or after hours at 800-792-5200.

If a child is in imminent danger of physical harm or sexual abuse, call your local police by dialing 911 immediately.

Who Should Report Abuse?

Reporting suspected cases of child abuse or neglect is everyone’s responsibility, whether a mandated professional or a private citizen. Mandated Reporters are required by law to report suspected child abuse and neglect.

For the concerned, private citizen, reporting child abuse is confidential.

When Should You Report Abuse?

Whenever you have reasonable cause to believe a child under the age of 18 has been abused or neglected, a report should be submitted. Reasonable cause means a reasonable suspicion. Absolute certainty or physical proof is not required. Abuse and neglect should be reported regardless of whether you believe the perpetrator is a caretaker or not.

  • What to Report to Department of Children & Families (DCF)

    • Emotional injury
    • Institutional abuse or neglect
    • Exposure and/or witness to domestic violence
    • Knowledge of a sex offender living in a home with a child
    • Physical abuse
    • Sexual abuse
    • Commercial sexual exploitation

  • Information DCF Will Ask For When You Report Abuse

    • Who is the child (name, address, date of birth, etc.)?
    • Who are the parents or guardians, and their identifying information?
    • Names and ages of all other children in the home and/or family
    • Who is the alleged perpetrator (if known)?
    • Dates and/or time frames when the abuse may have occurred (if known)
    • Present whereabouts of the child, and any other siblings in the home
    • The primary language of the child and their family
    • Any knowledge you have of imminent risk to the child
    • The core information regarding the reporter’s suspicions that the child is being abused or neglected
    • The circumstances under which you became aware of the information
    • Any action taken to treat, shelter, or assist the child
    • Any other information the reporter can offer to inform DCF of the child’s circumstances and any risks to the child

How Do I Report Abuse?

Call the Department of Children & Families (DCF) at the number listed below to report abuse. You will be asked a series of questions and asked to file a written report within 48 hours. Your name can be kept confidential upon request.

Berkshire County Kids’ Place is open Monday through Friday, 9am–5pm. Contact our team at 413-236-1800, email us at info@kidsplaceonline.org, or fill out the contact form.

For support on nights, weekends, or holidays, call the Child At Risk Hotline at 1-800-792-5200. For more information about reporting abuse or neglect explore the Office of Health and Human Services website.