Do Children Sexually Abuse Other Children?

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351 Pleasant St., Suite B-319 Northampton, MA 01060 413.587.3500 Do Children Sexually Abuse Other Children? HELPLINE: 1.888.PREVENT www.stopitnow.org Preventing sexual abuse among children and youth 351 Pleasant St, Suite B-319 [email protected] Northhampton, MA 01060 413.587.3500 HELPLINE: 1.888.PREVENT www.stopitnow.org [email protected]

Original Content by Joan Tabachnick Updated 2007 Design by JKG Group

As parents and caregivers, we want to do all we can to protect our children, while giving them the freedom they need to develop and become healthy adults. Sometimes, the world can feel full of risks, many of them obvious, and others more confusing. In order to strike the right balance between protection and independence for our children, we adults need the best possible information. This guide is for everyone involved in bringing up children. It explains that some children do sexually Our children are our future. We all have a abuse other children, describes how we can recognize the warning signs, and outlines some actions we adults responsibility to protect them. Take action can take to prevent sexual abuse. if you are worried that your child, or a child you know, may be sexually hurting someone. You are not alone. Help is available. Call the Stop It Now!® Helpline at 1.888.PREVENT to talk confidentially with professionals who have experience working with individuals and families with similar situations.

Special thanks to our colleagues at Stop It Now! UK & Ireland, for permission to use copyrighted material.

This is the third edition of this brochure. The two previous versions were Do Children Sexually Abuse Other Children? published by Stop It Now! in 1999 and Child’s Play? Preventing Abuse Among Children and Young People published by Stop It Now! UK & Ireland in 2003. 1 2 Do Children Sexually What Is Healthy Abuse Other Children? Sexual Development?

“I didn’t have the words Most people already are aware of the risk of sexual Most adults understand that questions. Adults can help children to tell my parents what abuse that some adults present to our children. There children pass through different be comfortable with their sexual was going on. I said I is growing understanding that the vast majority of stages of development as they grow. development and understand didn’t want to be left children who are sexually abused, are abused by Sometimes, adults have more difficulty appropriate sexual boundaries, someone they know, and often trust. Unfortunately, acknowledging that, from birth, for example, adults can model alone with kids. I wish very few adults recognize that children and children are sexual beings. Like other appropriate, respectful behavior. they had listened to me.” adolescents also can present a risk to other children. areas of a child’s development, it is In fact, over a third of all sexual abuse of children is normal for children’s awareness and • Children with disabilities or An adolescent with developmental challenges benefit sexual behavior committed by someone under the age of 18. curiosity about their own sexual feelings from special attention to their problems to change as they pass from infancy into This can be a difficult issue to address, partly because childhood, and then through puberty to safety. Depending on the nature of it is often challenging for adults to think of the adolescence. their disability, they may develop at children or adolescents we know as capable of sexually different rates, which can make them abusing others. Also, it is not always easy to tell the • Each child is an individual and more vulnerable to being abused. difference between natural sexual curiosity and will develop in his or her own They may also inadvertently harm potentially abusive behaviors. Children, particularly way. However, there is a generally another child without understanding younger children, may engage in inappropriate accepted range of behaviors the hurtful impact of their actions. interactions without understanding the hurtful impact linked to children’s changing age For example, children with disabilities it has on others. For this reason, it may be more and developmental stages. These sometimes behave sexually in ways helpful to talk about a child’s sexually “harmful” behaviors may include exploration that are out of step with their age. behavior rather than sexually “abusive” behavior. with other children of similar power Particular care may be needed to or stature—by virtue of age, size, help children understand their sexual It is essential that all adults have the information ability or social status. Sometimes, it development and to ensure that these needed to recognize potentially harmful activities at can be difficult to tell the difference children and their caregivers can an early stage and to seek help so the behaviors can between sexual exploration that is communicate effectively about any be stopped. Every adult who cares about children has appropriate to a developmental stage questions or worries they have. an opportunity, as both teacher and role model, to and interactions that are warning show children how to interact without harming others, signs of harmful behavior. It is important to recognize that, while either while they are still children, or later, as adults. people from various backgrounds have Adults have the added responsibility of ensuring that • Occasionally, adults may need to different expectations about what all children who have been involved in a harmful set limits when children engage in is acceptable behavior for children, sexual situation, whatever their role, are given the behaviors we consider inappropriate, sexual abuse is present across all ethnic help they need to live healthy productive lives. even if the children may be unaware groups, cultures and religious beliefs. of potential harm. This is a chance to talk with them about keeping themselves and others safe, and to let them know that you are someone they can talk to when they have

3 4 What Is Age-Appropriate or Developmentally-Expected What Is Sexually Sexual Behavior? Harmful Behavior?

Sexually harmful behavior by children While learning about their bodies and pregnancy. Experimentation with The chart shows some examples and young people may range from and sexuality, children may behave in same-age children, often during games, of common sexual behavior that experimentation that has gone too far to ways that seem out of sync with their kissing, touching, exhibitionism and we might anticipate seeing in our serious sexual assault. age or developmental stage. Many role-playing. Private self stimulation. children as they pass through It is important for adults to recognize that minor factors—for example, having an Uncommon: Adult-like sexual different stages of development older sibling—may increase a child’s from pre-school to adolescence. many children will engage in some forms interactions, discussing specific sexual of sexual exploration with children of a awareness of knowledge, attitudes acts or public self stimulation. Remember that each child and behaviors of an older age group. develops at his or her own pace. similar age, size, social status or power. Usually, unexpected behavior can be After Puberty Begins: Not every child will show all these Sometimes a child or young person may redirected with a simple instruction. Common: Increased curiosity about behaviors at the same stages, or engage in sexual play with a much younger Of particular concern are behaviors sexual materials and information, necessarily experience specific or more vulnerable child, or use force, involving another child, in which either questions about relationships and behaviors at all. tricks or bribery to involve someone in child seems unable to control the sexual behavior, using sexual words sexual activity. While such manipulation behavior after being asked to stop. and discussing sexual acts, particularly The chart also describes kinds of may be a cause for concern, it is critical with peers. Increased experimenting behavior that are less common to realize that manipulation may not, Preschool (0 to 5 yrs.) including open-mouthed kissing, body- in a given developmental stage, in itself, indicate a tendency toward rubbing, fondling. Masturbating in and which may give cause for sexual aggression. Professional help and Common: Sexual language relating to private. concern. If you feel uneasy or advice is needed to determine the best differences in body parts, bathroom talk, have any questions or concerns way to support a child in managing any Uncommon: Consistent adult-like sexual pregnancy and birth. Self stimulation about a child you know, talk to concerning impulses. at home and in public. Showing and behavior, including oral/genital contact someone you trust, like a friend, looking at private body parts. and intercourse. Masturbating in public. family member, your healthcare Keep in mind: Uncommon: Discussion of specific Adolescence (13 to 16) provider, a counselor, or call the • Children as young as 4 or 5 may Stop It Now! Helpline at 1.888. unknowingly engage in sexually harmful sexual acts or explicit sexual language. Common: Questions about decision PREVENT. behavior, although more often those who Adult-like sexual contact with other making, social relationships, and sexual sexually harm children are adolescents. children. customs. Masturbation in private. For a more complete list or if you School-Age Children (6 to 12 years) Experimenting between adolescents of have any question or concerns • Usually, but not always, the child or the same age, including open-mouthed about sexual behaviors of a young person causing the harm is older May include both pre-pubescent kissing, fondling and body rubbing, child in your life, please call the than the victim. children and children who have already oral/genital contact. Also, voyeuristic confidential, national toll-free entered puberty, when hormonal • Often the child being harmed is behaviors are common. Intercourse Stop It Now! Helpline at 1.888. changes are likely to trigger an increase uncomfortable or confused about what is occurs in approximately on third of this PREVENT. in sexual awareness and interest. age group. happening, but may feel that he or she is willingly involved or to blame for being Pre-Pubescent Children: Uncommon: Masturbating in public and Adapted from Wurtele, S.K. and Miller-Perrin, in the situation. Common: Questions about relationships sexual interest directed toward much C.L. Preventing Sexual Abuse. University of and sexual behavior, menstruation younger children. Nebraska Press. Lincoln, NE. 1992. • Many times, one or both children do not understand that the behavior is harmful. 5 6 What about Sexually Abusive Images of Children— Why Do Some Children Child Pronography? Sexually Harm Others?

There is a growing problem of sexual images of “The best way to keep The reasons children sexually harm others are children being available for viewing and downloading your family safe is to complicated, varied and not always obvious. Some on the Internet. Adults need to supervise children’s educate yourself about of them may have been emotionally, sexually or use of the Internet, provide children with clear physically abused themselves, while others may have child sexual abuse. The information about our expectations and teach them witnessed physical or emotional violence at home. Interactions involving how to make safe choices. earlier we can see what is Some may have come in contact with sexually explicit both direct contact happening, the earlier we movies, video games, or materials that are confusing to and non-touching We must educate young people about the risks: can do something to stop them. In some instances, a child or adolescent may act behaviors may cause • Viewing abusive images of children may make the abuse.” on a passing impulse with no harmful intent, but may harm. Examples range harmful sexual interactions with children seem still cause harm to themselves or to other children. from unwelcome normal or acceptable. mother of an repeated touching, adolescent with Whatever the reason, without help, some sexually- to brief touching • Viewing sexually abusive images of children hurts sexual behavior abusing youth will go on to abuse children as adults. of genitals to actual those children and others by creating a demand for problems It is important to seek advice and help promptly intercourse, sexually- additional images. whenever there is any concern or question about a charged verbal or child or adolescent. • Downloading child pornography is a criminal emotional aggression, offense. photographing a child in sexual poses or We adults must also remain aware of the risks of exposing a child to developing technology and of how to access resources sexual acts or images. when a child does engage in harmful online activities. How Do We Recognize the Warning Social networking sites, text messaging and photo- Signs of Sexually Harmful Behavior? capable cell phones are just a few examples of evolving methods of communication One of the most difficult discoveries a person and his or her family can make that attract young parent can make is to learn that your a real difference. Evidence shows that people, but also can child may have sexually harmed or the earlier children get help, the more create unanticipated abused another child. Denial, shock able they are to learn the skills they vulnerabilities. For more and anger are common reactions. need to control their behavior. If you information and links Because a quick and sensitive response are in this situation, remember that you about safe use of the can help diminish the harmful effects are not alone. Many other parents who Internet, visit the Stop on the whole family, it is important have been through similar experiences It Now! website: www. to get professional advice about what found that by taking action the child stopitnow.org. to do as soon as you become aware of and family got the help they needed warning signs. and were able to avoid future abuse. The first step is to recognize the value The good news is that positive, of talking it over with someone else. supportive help for the child or young 7 8 What Are Warning Signs of Sexually Harmful or Abusive Behavior? Why Don’t Children Tell?

There are many reasons why children • Children may feel obligated to Behaviors that may indicate Stronger indicators of risk for may find it very difficult to tell anyone remain silent, having received a increased risk include… abusive behavior include… that they are being abused, whether combination of gifts, treats, and • Regularly minimizing, justifying, • Linking sexuality and aggression by an adult or by another child. Most threats about what will happen if they or denying the impact of in language or behavior; engaging children do not tell anyone about say “no” or tell someone. Threats may inappropriate behaviors on others. in sexually harassing behavior sexual abuse before they become adults include physical harm to the victim, online or in person; and forcing themselves. Some common reasons why a relative or a pet, or breakup of the • Making others uncomfortable by any sexual interaction. children do not tell include: family. consistently missing or ignoring social cues about others’ personal • Turning to younger or less • Children may not understand that the • Children may feel embarrassment or sexual limits and boundaries. powerful children rather than behavior is inappropriate or harmful. about what is happening or fear that they will not be believed. peers to explore natural sexual • Sometimes they want to protect the • Preferring to spend time with curiosity. younger children rather than other child or youth, whom they • Sometimes, a child may be confused peers. • The inability to control may care about, or they do not want by suggestions that they enjoyed the inappropriate sexual behaviors to upset the adults with troubling sexual interaction and wanted it to • Insisting on physical contact with a involving another child after being information. happen. child even when that child resists. told to stop. • Children may feel guilty or that they • The child who is harmed may be • Responding sexually to typical • Taking younger children to are to blame for the interaction. confused about his or her feelings gestures of friendliness or “secret” places or hideaways to play and be persuaded that what is affection. • A child may hope that if he or she is happening is “okay” or that “everyone “special” undressing or touching “good enough,” the harmful behavior games. is doing it,” particularly if another • Reluctance to be alone with a will stop on its own. child or adolescent initiates the particular child; becoming anxious sexual behaviors. when a particular child is coming to visit. “We couldn’t understand at • Very young or disabled children first why he hadn’t told us. Now may not have the words or means of • Offering alcohol/drugs, sexual communication to let people know we know how confused he was. material or inappropriate what is going on. “privileges” to younger child. He felt that it was his fault, even though he hadn’t wanted For these reasons, maintaining open it to happen.” communications—talking with and listening carefully to children—is an While any single behavior may suggest that a child needs help, these Parents of teenage boy important part of preventing child behaviors do not, in themselves, indicate that a child is likely to engage in who was sexually abused sexual abuse. Because children often ongoing, sexually-harmful behaviors. For more information about concerning by two friends find it so hard to tell us in words, it is behaviors or about resources to get help, please call our confidential Helpline important to be alert to the behavioral at 1.888.PREVENT (1.888.773.8368). warning signs that they may be being abused, and then act to learn more. 9 10 What Are the Signs ThaT a Child or Young Person How Can We Protect May Be Being Sexually Abused? Our Children?

There are many things adults can do to prevent the Do you notice some of the following behaviors in a child you know… sexual abuse of children: setting clear standards for what is considered appropriate, respectful behavior; • Nightmares, sleep problems, • Stomach aches or illness, often staying alert for situations where those expectations extreme fears without an obvious with no identifiable reason are broken; and speaking up promptly to address any explanation concerns are the cornerstones of any effective effort to • Leaves clues that seem likely to protect children. • Sudden or unexplained provoke a discussion about sexual personality changes; seems issues Communication is key. Talking to children about their withdrawn, angry, moody, clingy, activities, hopes and anxieties on a daily basis increases • Uses new or adult words for body “checked-out,” or shows significant the likelihood that a child, who is worried about his parts; engages in adult-like sexual changes in eating habits. or her own behavior, will be able to tell someone. activities with toys, objects or other The sooner adults recognize potentially concerning • An older child behaving like a children situations, the better protected children will be. younger child, e.g. bedwetting or thumb-sucking • Develops special relationship with older friend that may include • Develops fear of particular unexplained money, gifts or places or resists being alone with privileges particular child or young person for unknown reasons • Intentionally harming himself or herself, i.e. drug/alcohol use, • Shows resistance to routine cutting, burning, running away, bathing, toileting or removing sexual promiscuity clothes even in appropriate situations • Develops physical symptoms, e.g. unexplained soreness, pain or • Play, writing, drawings or dreams bruises around genital or mouth; include sexual or frightening sexually-transmitted disease; images pregnancy • Refuses to talk about a secret he/she has with an adult or older “I can see now that there was a lot of secrecy in our son’s life child that we thought was normal, but now we know what he was hiding. If someone had told us that it was OK to talk to our son about these things, or showed us how to do it, maybe this Any of these signs may be caused by other factors and changes in a child’s life. If you would like to talk with someone further about concerns, please call wouldn’t have happened.” our Helpline at 1.888.PREVENT (1.888.773.8368). Mother of an adolescent with sexual behavior probelms 11 12 What Are Some Things That Adults Can Do to Help Prevent Sexually Harmful Behavior Between Children?

1. Set and respect physical boundaries. 3. Demonstrate to children that it is all fears and concerns and letting them 7. Take sensible precautions about Make sure that all members of the right to say “no” and that they need know they should not worry about whom you choose to take care of family have rights to privacy in dressing, to accept “no” from others. telling you anything. It is important to your children. bathing, sleeping, and other personal Teach children when it is okay to say talk with them about sexuality, offer Be thoughtful about whom you choose activities. As adults we are responsible “no”—for example when they do not accurate answers to their questions, and to care for your children. Find out for modeling the boundaries we want want to play, or be tickled, hugged to be comfortable using correct terms as much as you can about baby-sitters our children to honor. Even young or kissed. Help them understand for parts of the body. and don’t leave your child with anyone children should be respected and their what is considered acceptable and you have doubts about. If your child preferences accommodated when unacceptable behavior. Encourage 6. Set clear guidelines and keep a is unhappy about spending time with possible. them to always speak up if someone careful eye on children’s Internet a particular person, talk to the child acts in a way that makes them and video game use and the TV about his or her concerns. 2. Encourage children to also respect uncomfortable, even if they were unable shows and movies they watch. themselves and others. to object or to say “no” at the time. Explain to children the risks associated 8. Regularly remind children of other Much of what young people see in the Teach children that they must listen to with using the Internet, restrict access trusted adults whom they can talk to. adult world ignores or even ridicules and accept others’ limits as well. to sites that are not age-appropriate, Sometimes the child or young person the importance of treating others and ask them to tell you if they whose behavior concerns us is a close respectfully and of demanding the 4. Stay aware of how children are receive messages or emails containing family member or the son or daughter same for oneself. Highly-sexualized interacting with one another. suggestive or sexually explicit material. of a friend. In those situations, it may images in advertising, music lyrics, video Be alert to the warning signs that your Keep your computer in a public place be especially painful for us, as parents games and films can sometimes make child, or another child or young person, so you can easily monitor their use. and caregivers, to admit what may be it difficult for adolescents—or even may be acting in ways that make it happening. It may be even harder for Check that TV shows, films and young children—to distinguish between difficult for other children to set a limit, a child to tell that someone the family videos are age-appropriate. Watch innocent experimentation and sexually or in ways that are sexually aggressive or cares about is harming programs with children and use what harmful behaviors. abusive. Seek information and help as her or him. An adult they see as “teachable moments” to soon as you feel uncomfortable. Don’t outside the immediate share information and values. Make Teach children to value respectful keep it a secret. family is often in a better agreements with other adults that the interactions—including sexual position to acknowledge guidelines of a visiting child’s parents or interactions. Create environments at 5. Talk with children, and listen to what concerns and to take guardians will be respected during play home and in your social groups where they have to say. protective actions. dates or visits. children will see that emotionally or Adults and adolescents who sexually sexually aggressive behaviors are not abuse children usually rely on secrecy. tolerated and that hurtful behaviors are They often try to silence children and challenged. to build trust with adults, counting on them to be silent if they are confused. The first step to breaking through this secrecy is to develop an open and trusting relationship with your children. This means listening carefully to their 13 14 What Can You Do if You Suspect Your Child Is Sexually Harming Another Child or Thinking about Doing So?

It is very disturbing to suspect that insights written by and for parents 3. get support for your child, or a child you know, may of children and teens with sexual everyone. be sexually harming someone. It is so behavior problems. www.stopitnow. Whatever is revealed, much easier to dismiss such thoughts org/parentalk. reassure them that you or to think you’re overreacting. You love them and that you may also be worried about the possible 1. Act quickly. Action is prevention. are committed to helping consequences of taking action. If you are worried that your son or them. Children will look daughter may be sexually harming to adults for reassurance Help is available. It is much better to another child, or if you suspect that that they will be all talk over the situation with someone your child is being abused, act now! right. Keep reminding than to discover later that you were Get help from a professional therapist yourself that healing right to be concerned and did nothing. immediately and develop a safety plan for everyone is possible. Remember, you are not alone. Every addressing the concerning behaviors. Children and adolescents year thousands of people grapple with Prompt intervention also can get the frequently respond best situations where someone in their sexually abusing youth the treatment to specialized, sex-specific needed to stop abusing and to grow up family or circle of friends is suspected |treatment when it is result in legal consequences. Although as a safe member of our community. of inappropriate sexual behavior. Stop offered early and with the support of this can be a difficult process for It Now!’s Parenttalk newsletter offers trusted adults. Sexual abuse affects all 2. Stay steady. everyone involved, when combined with members of a family or group. The When speaking to children about your specialized treatment, it may be the best entire family, including the adults, are way to prevent further harm and even concerns, remember to stay calm and likely to need support. ask simple and direct questions. Listen harsher future consequences. carefully to the responses without 4. be prepared to report. 5. Make use of valuable lessons suggesting answers. It may be useful Reporting the abuse to authorities is an learned. to practice with someone else first and upsetting prospect for many families. If you have been involved in helping get support to help keep your own Yet, filing a report can be a first step to a child cope with harmful sexual emotions in check. accessing support services. Children behaviors, your experience and Recognize that confusion, guilt, and who are abused and their families need knowledge about abuse and treatment shame about abuse can make the help to recover from their trauma. may be extremely valuable to others. conversation difficult, both for you Anyone who is harming a child sexually The opportunity to prevent sexual and for the child. Acknowledge the also needs help and support to stop the abuse does not end with the discovery of child’s discomfort and offer praise behavior. abuse. Use the lessons you have learned for his or her courage to talk about a Sometimes, in the most serious cases to educate others about prevention and confusing experience. Remember that and depending upon the age of the to support other families facing similar if it’s difficult for you to discuss your child or adolescent, reporting may concerns. concerns, it is likely to be much more difficult for the child.

15 16 Prevention, Treatment Take Action and Recovery Resources

If you are unsure or worried about the behavior Stop It Now! The Association for the Treatment of someone you know (whether they are an adult 351 Pleasant St., Suite 319, Northampton, MA 01060 of Sexual Abusers (ATSA) Office: 413.587.3500 4900 SW Griffith Drive, Suite 274, Beaverton, OR 97005 or a child), we have information that can help you Helpline: 1.888.PREVENT (1.888.773.8368) Office: 503.643.1023 Fax: 503.643.5084 consider your possible next steps. With guidance from Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] our professional Helpline staff, adults can learn about Website: www.stopitnow.org Website: www.atsa.com In collaboration with our network of community-based A national organization developing and disseminating sexual abuse; identify specialized treatment options programs, we reach out to adults who are concerned professional standards and practices in the field of sex for themselves or someone they care about; develop a about their own or others’ sexualized behavior toward offender research, evaluation, and treatment. Call or children. Through our website and Helpline, we email for a referral to a local treatment provider. safety plan; find language for an effective conversation provide support, information and resources that when they have concerns, and learn how to report enable individuals and families to keep children National Center on Sexual Behavior of Youth safe and create healthier communities. Contact 940 N.E. 13th St., 3B-3406, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 those concerns to authorities when appropriate. our confidential, national toll-free Helpline 1.888. Office: 405.271.8858 PREVENT (1.888.773.8368). Website: www.ncsby.org The Safer Society Foundation Information concerning sexual development and youth CONTACT with sexual behavior problems. P.O. Box 340, Brandon, VT 05733-0340 ® Stop It Now! Office: 802.247.3132 Fax: 802.247.4233 National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) Website: www.safersociety.org 2000 M St., NW, Suite 480, Washington, DC 20036 Helpline Call for a referral to a local treatment provider for Office: 202.467.8700 Fax: 202.467.8701 a child, adolescent or adult with sexual behavior Toll-free: 1.800.FYI.CALL (1.800.394.2255) 1.888.PREVENT concerns. (M-F, 9–4:30 p.m. ET). Also provides TDD: 1.800.211.7996 publications for youth or adults with sexual behavior Email: [email protected] or [email protected] problems, their families, survivors, treatment providers, Website: www.ncvc.org EMAIL and mandated reporters. Call for a free catalogue. An information and referral center for victims. Child Molestation Research Through its database of over 30,000 organizations, [email protected] and Prevention Institute NCVC refers callers to services including crisis intervention, research information, assistance with the P.O. Box 7593, Atlanta, GA 30357 criminal justice process, counseling, support groups, Office: 404.872.5152 and referrals to local attorneys in victim-related cases. VISIT Website: www.childmolestationprevention.org our website at Online directory for sex-specific therapists for Childhelp USA evaluation and treatment. Extensive reading lists for National Child Abuse Hotline: 1.800.4.A.CHILD www.stopitnow.org parents of children with sexual behavior problems and (1.800.422.4453) parents of victims, for professionals, adults with sexual Website: www.childhelpusa.org behavior concerns, adults molested as children and Provides a broad continuum of programs that directly their partners. serve abused children and their families. Adults and The New England Adolescent children can request local telephone numbers to Research Institute (NEARI) report cases of abuse or access crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to thousands of 70 North Summer St., Holyoke, MA 01040 emergency, social service, and support resources. All Office: 413.540.0712 calls are anonymous and confidential. Website: www.neari.com Catalogue of publications for professionals and The Child Welfare Information Gateway families addressing treatment and recovery for Children’s Bureau/ACYF sexually aggressive youth and youth with sexual 1250 Maryland Ave., SW, 8th Floor behavior problems. Washington, DC 20024 Office: 703.385.7565 or 800.394.3366 Website: www.childwelfare.gov/ A resource and clearinghouse that collects, stores, organizes and disseminates information on all aspects of child maltreatment. 17 18