Child Abuse Education
Child abuse is defined by law as harm or threatening harm to a child's health and safety by a person responsible for the child. This can include:
Physical Abuse - Any non-accidental physical injury to a child under the age of 18 years old
Neglect - Failure or omission to provide food, clothing, shelter, medical care, supervision or special care made necessary by the physical or mental condition of the child
Sexual Abuse or Exploitation - Includes, but not limited to rape, incest, lewd or indecent acts or proposals, allowing, permitting or encouraging a child to engage in prostitution or pornography
Emotional Abuse - Mental injury from incessant rejecting, terrorizing, isolating, exploiting, corrupting and denying emotional responsiveness
How to Report Child Abuse
State law requires every person who has reason to believe that a child is being abused or neglected, or is in danger of being abused or neglected, MUST report the suspicion of abuse promptly to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS).
The Statewide 24-hour Child Abuse Hotline is 1-800-522-3511. You may also call local law enforcement authorities for any suspicion of abuse perpetrated by someone who does not have responsibility for the child.
OKDHS policy and state law require strict maintenance of the confidentiality of reports of child abuse. Anonymous reports are also accepted. Dearing House brings together all the professionals and agencies needed to offer services: law enforcement, child protective services, prosecution, mental health, medical, and advocacy.