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.
Prevention Tips
-
Get to know adults who have contact with your child-neighbors, teachers, parents of friends, etc.
-
Be aware of what's going on around you.
-
Be aware of where your children are, what they are doing and who they spend time with.
-
Be aware of new people who seek out your child and want to spend time alone with him or her.
-
Be aware of special gifts or secrets about which you are uninformed.
-
Teach your children that they have the right to say "NO" if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
-
Trust your instincts. If you have suspicions, take your child to a private place and talk openly using their words to make them feel more comfortable. Reassure the child that he or she is safe.
-
Have your child use the buddy system to and from school or at play.
-
If it's too good to be true, IT IS. Perpetrators often "groom" the child and/or the family to gain their trust before the abusive behavior begins.