Child Abuse is a very serious crime that needs to be reported right away, even if it’s just suspected. Only 1 in every 10 children that are abused will tell someone about it, and even fewer cases get reported.
Report any known or suspected case that you observe. Reporting abuse can protect children from further harm and help a family address its problems. All reports are confidential and may be made anonymously.
Child abuse is ANY act or FAILURE to act by a perpetrator which causes:
- Serious physical injury
- Serious mental injury
- Sexual abuse or exploitation
- Serious physical neglect
- Imminent risk of serious physical injury or sexual abuse
How to Report Abuse:
Contact the NY State Central Registry at 1-800-342-3720 or any Law Enforcement Agency at 911. You are not required to provide proof. Anyone who makes a good faith report based on reasonable grounds is immune from prosecution. If the abuse occurred within the past 72 hours, a medical evaluation can be
scheduled by contacting the Child Advocacy Program. However, if there are acute symptoms, such as pain and bleeding, go to your local Emergency Room.
Helplines
Mental Health-Crisis Helpline (24 hour): (716) 484-1314
Domestic Violence and Rape Helpline (24 hour): (716) 661-3897 or 1-800-252-8748
Additional Resources
Legal Help
Chautauqua Region Law Center: (716) 483-2116
Southern Tier Legal Services: (716) 664-4535
NYS State Bar: (518) 463-3200
Victim Advocacy
Child Advocacy Program of Chautauqua County: (716) 338-9844
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Program: (716) 753-4123
The Salvation Army Anew Center: (716) 661-3897
Resources for Healing
Treatment Providers
Catholic Charities: (716) 484-9188 Adults & Children
Chautauqua County Mental Hygiene: (716) 661-8330 Adults & Children
Family Services of Chautauqua: (716) 488-1971 Adults & Children
The Salvation Army Anew Center: (716) 661-3897 Children
WCA Outpatient: (716) 664-8641 Adults & Children
Support groups for survivors and for parents and families of children who have been abused
Call Chautauqua County Mental Hygiene for current group listings: (716) 661-8330
Call TSA Anew Center for current group listings: (716) 661-3897
Websites for more information on child sexual abuse and/or trauma
The Child Advocacy Program is the only program in Chautauqua County that offers this service in this County. FEEL FREE TO CALL CAP WITH ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE TO FIND RESOURCES RELATED TO CHILD ABUSE: (716) 338-9844
