Child Abuse

What is a Forensic Interview?
A forensic interview is performed by someone who is specially trained in the many dynamics of child abuse. It is a fact-finding mission to determine whether or not a child has been abused. A forensic interview finds out the child’s reality about what happened to them using non-leading and age-appropriate questions.

How can I request a Forensic Interview?
The Safe Passage Child Advocacy Center can only receive Forensic Interview referrals from the Department of Social Services or Law Enforcement.

How can I receive the free therapeutic services offered by the Safe Passage Child Advocacy Center?
Please contact 803-980-KIDS (5437)

Know the two agencies in your community that handle most reports of child abuse:

Department of Social Services (DSS) - (803) 684-2315

Your local law enforcement agency - 911

1. Unexplained Injuries 

Visible signs of physical abuse may include unexplained burns or bruises in the shape of objects. You may also hear unconvincing explanations of a child’s injuries.

2. Changes in behavior 

Abuse can lead to many changes in a child’s behavior. Abused children often appear scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn or more aggressive.

3. Returning to earlier behaviors 

Abused children may display behaviors shown at earlier ages, such as thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, fear of the dark or strangers. For some children, even loss of acquired language or memory problems may be an issue.

4. Fear of going home 

Abused children may express apprehension or anxiety about leaving school or about going places with the person who is abusing them.

5. Changes in eating 

The stress, fear and anxiety caused by abuse can lead to changes in a child’s eating behaviors, which may result in weight gain or loss.

6. Changes in sleeping 

Abused children may have frequent nightmares or have difficulty falling asleep, and as a result may appear tired or fatigued.

7. Changes in school performance and attendance 

Abused children may have difficulty concentrating in school or have excessive absences, sometimes due to adults trying to hide the child’s injuries from authorities.

8. Lack of personal care or hygiene 

Abused and neglected children may appear uncared for. They may present as consistently dirty and have severe body odor, or they may lack sufficient clothing for the weather.

9. Risk-taking behaviors

Young people who are being abused may engage in high-risk activities such as using drugs or alcohol or carrying a weapon.

10. Inappropriate sexual behaviors

Children who have been sexually abused may exhibit overly sexualized behavior or use explicit sexual language.