At NC State, all employees and students share the responsibility of recognizing and reporting concerning behavior involving minors, whether they are current or prospective students, visitors or participants in university-sponsored programs.

Inappropriate, unusual or boundary-violating behavior toward minors may precede more serious harm. Research from the U.S. Secret Service, Department of Homeland Security, and other experts indicates that early warning signs often emerge, allowing for timely intervention and protection of minors.

If you are unsure about submitting a report, err on the side of caution. It is not required that you have proof that abuse or neglect has occurred when you submit a report. Any uncertainty in deciding to report suspected abuse or neglect should be resolved in favor of making a good faith report.

• Physical abuse occurs when a parent or caregiver is responsible for any non-accidental physical injury to a child. Below are specific behaviors to look out for that may be a sign that the child is being physically abused.
  • The child has visible and severe injuries.
  • The child displays aggression toward peers, pets or other animals.
  • The child appears afraid of parents or other adults.
  • The child has visible and/or severe injuries, including but not limited to: bruises, burns or scalds, bite marks, scarring, fractures or broken bones.
  • The child exhibits fear, withdrawal, depression, anxiety, nightmares or insomnia.
  • There is a frequency in timing of injuries (such as after weekends, vacations, school absences, etc.) and/or the child has a history of apparent injuries.
  • The child exhibits signs of immaturity, acting out and/or emotional or behavioral extremes.
  • The child exhibits self-destructive behavior or attitudes.
• Sexual abuse occurs when an adult uses a child for sexual purposes or involves a child in sexual acts. It can also occur when an older or more powerful child using another child for sexual gratification or excitement. Below are specific behaviors to look out for that may be a sign that the child is being sexually abused.
  • The child reports sexual abuse.The child has difficulty sitting or walking, or has bowel problems. Other physical signs of sexual abuse include bleeding, bruises, pain, swelling or itching of genital area.
  • The child has torn, stained, or bloody undergarments.
  • The child has any sexually transmitted disease or related symptoms.
  • The child has an eating disorder and exhibits preoccupation with body.
  • The child has poor peer relationships, poor self-image, poor self-care or lack of confidence.
  • The child is sexually acting out, excessively masturbating or displays sexual behavior or knowledge that is advanced or unusual.
• Emotional abuse occurs when a parent or caregiver harms a child’s mental and social development, or causes severe emotional harm. While a single incident may be abuse, frequently emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior that causes damage over time. Below are specific behaviors to look out for that may be a sign that the child is being emotionally abused.
  • The child exhibits developmental delays.
  • The child is either overly compliant or overly defensive.
  • The child wets their bed or pants frequently.
  • The child is extremely emotional, aggressive or withdrawn, and has anxieties, phobias and/or a sleep disorder.
  • The child develops a speech disorder.
  • The child exhibits destructive or anti-social behaviors (such as violence, cruelty, vandalism, stealing, cheating or lying).
  • The child has health problems such as ulcers, skin disorders, obesity or weight fluctuation.
  • The child exhibits inappropriate behavior for their age (too adult/too infantile).
  • The child has suicidal thoughts and/or displays suicidal behaviors.
• Neglect occurs when a parent or caregiver does not give the care, supervision, affection and support required for a child’s health, safety and well-being. Below are specific behaviors to look out for that may be a sign that the child is being neglected.
  • The child has hygiene problems, body odor and/or untreated medical or dental problems
  • The child is often hungry and stockpiles or seeks food.
  • The child has a very low body weight/height for age. They may also show signs of malnutrition.
  • The child is often tired, sleepy or listless.

Before you can submit a report to the Department of Social Services, you will need the following information:

• Child’s name, address, age, contact information and names and ages of other minors in the house/living situation.
• Parent/guardian name(s), address and contact information.
• The nature and event of any injury and known details of the abuse or neglect.
• Perpetrator’s name.

1. What happened?
2. When did it happen?
3. Where were you when this happened?
4. Who else was there?

• Department of Social Services
  • Report abuse and neglect to the director of the Department of Social Services in the county where the juvenile resides or is found, as outlined in G.S. 7B-301.
    • Wake County
      • For more information, refer to Child Protective Services (CPS) intake to submit a report in Wake County.
        • In Wake County, the CPS report line is:
          • (919) 212-7990 (English)
          • (919) 212-7963 (Spanish)
    • Other NC Counties
      • Here is a Local DSS Directory.
• Local Law Enforcement
  • Report violent offenses, sexual offenses or misdemeanor child abuse under G.S.14- 318.2 to local law enforcement in the county where the juvenile resides or is found. Note: Sexual offenses, whether physical or virtual, must be reported to local police. The NC State University Police Department can assist in making this report.

If an immediate intervention is necessary, call 9-1-1 or University Police (if it is on NC State property).