top of page
Screenshot 2026-02-25 110921.png

Suspect Abuse? Call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline

Call 1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD (or 1-800-482-5964) to Report Child Abuse in Arkansas. Learn More

Recognize and Respond to Child Abuse in Arkansas

If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline at 1-844-SAVE-A-CHILD immediately. Trained professionals are available 24/7 to take your report, offer guidance, and connect you with resources to protect children.
 

Knowing the signs of abuse can make all the difference. Physical injuries, changes in behavior, fearfulness around certain adults, or signs of neglect are all red flags. Every report matters — your awareness and action could save a child’s life. Learn what to look for and how to respond.

CACA_child_3

Types of Abuse
 

What is Neglect?

Neglect is the act of leaving a child without appropriate supervision and in a situation where the child is exposed to a substantial risk of harm and/or not meeting the needs of the child such as food, clothing, shelter, education or medical treatment. Definition taken from Arkansas Code, § 12-18-103.

Neglect is the most common form of abuse, followed by physical abuse.

Signs of Neglect

  • Constant hunger; begging or stealing food

  • Very small or thin for their age

  • Consistent lack of hygiene or inappropriate clothing

  • Lack of supervision for extended periods

  • Appears lonely or has an intense need for attention

What is Physical Abuse?

Physical abuse is defined as injury or threat of injury to the child by the child’s caregiver. This includes an injury that is at variance with the explanation given and excludes injuries that were sustained from a reasonable accident or appropriate discipline.  This can also include failure to reasonably protect the child from injury. Definition taken from Arkansas Code, § 12-18-103. 

Nearly 600,000 children are abused in the U.S. each year.

Signs of Physcal Abuse

  • Unexplained bruises; bruises of different ages; bruises where the explanation doesn’t match what you see

  • Cigarette burns; patterned burns (like an iron); burns that cover an entire foot or hand

  • Unexplained broken bones

  • Runs away

  • Wears concealing clothes

​

A single sign may not indicate abuse, but patterns or multiple signs are cause for concern.
 

What is Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse is sexual conduct including, but not limited to indecency with a minor, sexual assault, encouraging a minor to engage in sexual conduct, photographing, filming or depicting the child in an obscene or pornographic manner or permitting the making of the content. It also includes the failure to make reasonable efforts to prevent such abuse. Definition taken from Arkansas Code, § 12-18-103.

1 in 4 children experience abuse in their lifetime. 

Signs of Sexual Abuse

  • Advanced sexual knowledge for their age or inappropriate sex play

  • Excessive masturbation or seductiveness

  • Age regressive behaviors (sucking thumb, bed-wetting…)

  • Difficulty walking or sitting

  • Torn or bloody underwear

  • Bruises or bleeding of the genitalia or genital pain and itching

  • Extreme fear of being left alone with adults

  • Sexual victimization of other children

Other Signs Commonly Associated with Abuse:​

  • Comes to school early and stays late

  • Fear of adults

  • Are overly compliant, passive, withdrawn

  • Very aggressive, destructive

  • Frequent absences or tardiness from school

  • Suicide attempts or self-harm behaviors

  • Major changes in mood or behavior

90%

of children know their abuser.

bottom of page