07/31/2026
At Friends of the Salt Lake County Childrenās Justice Center, one of our most important responsibilities is raising awareness. Child abuse is often hidden, and many children suffer in silence. By educating our community about the warning signs, we can help ensure more children are seen, heard, and protected.
š Physical Signs
Look for unexplained bruises, burns, cuts, or injuries in various stages of healing. Frequent injuries or explanations that donāt match the injury may be cause for concern.
š Behavioral Signs
Children experiencing abuse may become withdrawn, anxious, fearful, aggressive, or exhibit sudden changes in behavior, mood, or school performance. Trust your instincts when a childās behavior changes dramatically.
š Environmental Signs
Pay attention to signs of neglect or unsafe living conditions, lack of supervision, unmet basic needs, or concerning interactions between a child and caregiver.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, report it to the appropriate authorities. A single phone call can change the course of a childās life.
Be the friend who notices. Be the friend who speaks up. Be the friend who helps a child find hope.