How to Report Abuse and Neglect
Reports can be made in person at Perry County Job and Family Services Protective Services, 526 Mill Street, New Lexington, Ohio 43764, during office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. You may also call (740) 342-3836 during normal business hours. After hours and on weekends, contact the Perry County Sheriff’s Office at (740) 342-4123 or dial 911 for emergency situations involving children.
Information that is beneficial when making a report (if known)
- The names of all individuals in the home
- Ages and/or dates of birth of individuals involved
- Addresses and phone numbers of the family being reported
- Current issues/reasons for calling
- Current physical location of the individuals involved
- Hazards/dangers from persons or in the home, if known
- Any other known pertinent information
What is Abuse and Neglect?
- Physical abuse
- Bruises, marks, cuts, or other injuries resulting from non-accidental means, including excessive or out-of-control discipline.
- Neglect
- Failure to provide a child with basic needs such as food, medical care, clothing, and the protection a child needs for adequate growth and development.
- Emotional abuse
- Consistent and ongoing negative interaction between a caregiver and a child, such as constant and undue criticism, verbal abuse, ignoring a child’s mental needs, and other forms of rejection.
- Sexual abuse
- Sexual activity or stimulation between an adult and a child, ranging from fondling to rape. This may also include child pornography and exposing children to situations of a sexual nature. Sexual abuse may also occur between juveniles, depending on their ages and the sexual behavior.
- Dependency
- A child being homeless, destitute, or without adequate parental or caregiver care through no fault of the child’s parents or caregiver.