What is child abuse?
Common forms of child abuse include physical abuse, sexual abuse and computer crimes.
What is physical abuse?
Physical abuse includes beatings or torture of children, including violent shaking and conduct that causes severe injuries or death.
What is child sexual abuse?
Sexual abuse is usually committed by someone known to the child, and children rarely report it immediately. A child may not feel comfortable talking to a parent about the details of what happened. Our Office – as well as the NYPD and the Administration for Children’s Services – are trained to interview children, discover the truth, and help decide what to do next.
What are computer crimes against children?
Computer crimes against children include the creation and possession of child pornography; luring children through emails, chatrooms, and social networks; and sending inappropriate messages or photos to children on-line. Our Office provides training sessions to schools, parents, kids, and anyone who would like to learn more about how to keep children safe online.
Whether or not a case can be prosecuted, our Child Abuse Unit is here to help you figure out the best steps to protect your child and your family.
Prosecutors in our Child Abuse Unit have extensive experience and specialized training. A single prosecutor handles each case from beginning to end so that children and their families can be as comfortable as possible throughout the life of the case. You can reach our on-call child abuse prosecutor seven days a week, 24 hours a day at 212-335-4308.
Note: Under New York law, certain people must make reports when they have reasonable cause to suspect that a child before them in their official capacity is an abused or maltreated child. These “mandated reporters” include doctors, nurses, and medical providers; therapists, social workers, alcohol and substance abuse counselors, and mental health providers; teachers, school administrators, school aides, daycare workers, and residential care workers; and law enforcement personnel. To report abuse, mandated reporters should call the New York State Central Register at 800-635-1522.
Manhattan Family Justice Center
Our Manhattan Family Justice Center at 80 Centre Street has a child-friendly waiting room and play area so that children and families can be at ease in our Office. We have social services staff on-site, including a Child Victim Specialist who helps children feel comfortable and helps parents and families understand the justice process and get the services they need. Referrals are available for individual counseling, family counseling, medical treatment, housing issues, and safety planning.
80 Centre Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10013
212-602-2800
New York State Child Abuse Hotline
800-342-3720
Safe Horizon Manhattan Child Advocacy Center
1753 Park Avenue (at 122nd Street)
New York, NY 10035
646-695-6100
