I Have Learned About the Sexual Abuse of Someone I Know. What Should I Do?
Here’s how to respond effectively and with compassion towards someone you have learned has been sexually abused.
Learning that someone you know has been sexually abused can leave you unsure of what to do next. Whether the person is a child in immediate danger, an adult survivor confiding in you, or someone you only suspect is being harmed, your response matters. Acting calmly and knowing where to turn can help protect a child and support a survivor’s path to healing.
This page walks through how to report sexual abuse safely and confidentially, what to do when you only suspect abuse, how to report child sexual abuse material or suspected trafficking, and who can help guide you through the process.
How to Safely Report Sexual Abuse
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first. Otherwise, the options below let you report safely and, in many cases, confidentially.
How Do I Report Sexual Abuse?
There are many ways to safely and confidentially report abuse:
- If you see abuse happening or a child comes to you in crisis, call 911.
- If you suspect child sexual abuse, you can call ChildHelp: The National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child. They have trained counselors answering phones 24/7 to guide you through the process of reporting.
- If you were sexually abused recently, call the police.
- You can also contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at RAINN, the Rape and Incest National Network, at 1-800-656-4673. They will refer you to your local rape crisis center.
- If your abuse happened in the past, or you are not sure who to talk to, contact a licensed therapist or an attorney who is experienced in handling child sexual abuse cases. They can offer you guidance and walk you through the options to find the best for you. You can also contact the police where the crime occurred and file a report if the predator is still a threat to children.
What to Do When You Only Suspect Abuse
You do not need proof to reach out. If something feels wrong, trained counselors can help you think through what you are seeing and whether to report it.
What If I Only Suspect Child Sex Abuse? Should I Still Report?
Yes. You can report suspected abuse at ChildHelp: The National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child. They have trained counselors answering the phones 24/7 to guide you through the process of reporting suspected abuse.
Reporting a suspicion is not an accusation. It simply lets trained professionals look into a situation and, when warranted, help stop abuse sooner. Many survivors are harmed for a long time before anyone speaks up, which is why acting on a concern can make a real difference.
Am I Safe If I Report Suspected Abuse? Will I Be Confronted by The Police? Will The Alleged Abuser Know I Informed Others About Their Abusive Behavior?
Yes, it is safe to report suspected abuse, and you can do so confidentially. ChildHelp: The National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child has trained counselors answering the phones 24/7 to guide you through the process of reporting suspected abuse safely and confidentially.
Beyond crisis reporting to the police or a helpline, knowing who to tell about your abuse and in what order may require some strategy to help ensure the best outcome should you need to take legal action
We have decades of experience, exposing clergy child sexual abuse crimes and crimes in many other institutions such as in schools (public and private), camps, sports facilities, and Boy Scouts of America. Contact us for a free confidential conversation about how we can hold perpetrators and institutions accountable, and create a safer world for children now and in the future.
Reporting Child Sexual Abuse Material and Suspected Trafficking
How Do I Report Child Pornography? Also Known as Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM)
If you have reason to believe that a child is in direct danger, call 911 or your local police.
To report sexual abuse material or child pornography (CSAM) online, you can contact the CyberTipline at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Otherwise, you can contact ChildHelp: The National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child and they can guide you through the process.
If I Suspect a Child is Being Trafficked for Sex, What Do I Do?
To report an incident or suspicious situation that may involve child sex trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888, or file a confidential online report on their website.
Your report will be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency for investigation and action.
If you have an emergency that requires an immediate law enforcement response, please call 911 or contact your local police or sheriff’s department.
Who Can Help You Through the Reporting Process
Are There People Who Can Help Me Through the Reporting Process?
Yes, the majority of hotlines work with counselors or volunteers who are specifically trained to guide callers through the reporting of sexual abuse safely and confidentially.
Beyond crisis reporting to the police or a helpline, knowing who to tell and in what order can take some strategy, especially if you may want to pursue legal action later. A lawyer experienced in child sexual abuse cases can help you understand your options and protect your rights while you decide how to move forward.
FAQs About Reporting Abuse of Someone You Know
Can I report abuse anonymously?
In many cases, yes. Hotlines such as the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline allow you to call confidentially, and you can ask about anonymous options when you contact them. If you call 911 or a local police department in an emergency, they may ask for your information, but you can still explain your concern and ask how your privacy will be handled.
What is the difference between reporting to a hotline and reporting to the police?
A hotline connects you with a trained counselor who can help you understand the situation, weigh your options, and guide you through next steps. The police investigate crimes and can respond to an emergency. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911; if you need guidance or want to report a suspicion, a hotline is often the right first call.
Do I have to be certain abuse happened before I report it?
No. You do not need proof to make a report. If you have a reasonable concern that someone is being harmed, trained professionals can look into it. Reporting a suspicion is not the same as accusing someone; it simply allows the situation to be reviewed by people equipped to help.
What should I do if an adult survivor confides in me?
Listen without judgment, believe them, and let them lead. Avoid pressuring them to report before they are ready. You can share that confidential support is available through the National Sexual Assault Hotline at RAINN (1-800-656-4673) and that an attorney experienced in child sexual abuse cases can explain their legal options if and when they choose to pursue them.
Is there a time limit on taking legal action?
Deadlines for legal action, known as statutes of limitations, vary by state and have changed in many places in recent years. Because the rules depend on where and when the abuse occurred, the most reliable way to learn your options is to speak with an attorney who handles child sexual abuse cases in the relevant state.