Happy Bear

Regional Child Protection Center
1215 Pleasant Street, Suite 303
Des Moines, IA 50309
515.241.4311

If you suspect a child is being physically or sexually abused or neglected, call the Department of Human Services - Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.362.2178.

Reactions of the Child Victim

Child victims may experience:

  • Guilt
  • Anxiety
  • Confusion
  • Shame
  • Embarrassment
  • Fear
  • Sadness
  • A sense of being very bad or dirty

Every child reacts differently. Some may not understand the abuse is "sexual" in nature, therefore, they may find some element of the abuse pleasant if the assault was not forceful or scary.