Child Abuse

In this section, find out about:
● Reporting
● Helplines
● Support & Counseling
● Sex Offender Registries
● Specialized Services
● Victim Help & Legal Services
● Bullying

● REPORTING ●
Columbus Division of Police
Individuals can file reports and complaints about child abuse and other issues. Other prevention and alert information is also available.
120 Marconi Boulevard, Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 645-4760 or (614) 645-4545
- www.columbuspolice.org
Franklin County Children Services (FCCS)
Individuals can report child abuse or neglect in Franklin County through their 24-hour child abuse hotline or visit the office in person. Emergency placement can be provided for at-risk children and teens. When appropriate, temporary placement with relatives, foster homes, or treatment centers are coupled with services to support family reunification and reduce the level of risk to the child. They can link families with community services, such as parenting classes, child care and substance abuse treatment.
525 East Mound Street, Columbus Ohio 43215
(614) 229-7000
- www.franklincountyohio.gov
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
They have a quick search for missing children and a call center for reporting a sighting of a missing child, as well as a cyber tip line to report child pornography or suspected child sexual exploitation. They also have a 24-hour hotline and information and resources about missing children, sexual exploitation, child safety, sex offenders and natural disasters.
699 Prince Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
(800) THE-LOST or (800) 843-5678
- www.missingkids.com
Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO)
Represents Ohio's 88 county children services agencies. Go online to find resources and contact information for children services and child protective services in each Ohio county. Click for a county directory of children service agencies.
510 East Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 224-5802
- www.pcsao.org/links.htm
Shaken Baby Alliance
Their website contains resources and information about Shaken Baby Syndrome as well as resources for reporting abuse.
4516 Boat Club Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76135
(877) 636-3727
- www.shakenbaby.com
● HELPLINES ●
Abuse Victim Hotline
Offers free counseling and advice for victims of violence and abuse. The hotline is operated from several different locations, which are changed daily, to protect the safety of victims. They can also help with legal questions and direct callers to local resources.
500 Beach Street, Revere, Massachusetts 02151
(877) 448-8678
- www.avhotline.org
Child Help
The free, anonymous national child abuse hotline is available 24/7 and helps with crisis intervention, emotional support, referrals and emergency resources for kids, parents and professionals. They have interpreters available as well. Click for safety tips.
15757 North 78th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85260
(800) 4-A-CHILD or (800) 422-4453
- http://childhelp.bluestatedigital.com
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
Provides free, confidential advice and support 24/7 through the National Sexual Assault Hotline. They also operate an online hotline providing live, secure help to victims through an instant messaging-type interface. In addition, you can use the zip code search to locate a counseling center in your area.
2000 L Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20036
(800) 656-HOPE or (800) 656-4673
- www.rainn.org
Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO)
24-hour free, confidential local rape helpline offering emotional support, counseling referrals and community education for victims of sexual assault, rape, abuse and incest.
1299 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, Ohio 43212
(614) 267-7020
- www.ohiohealth.com
Stop It Now!
Provides a toll-free confidential helpline and an online help center for victims of child abuse. They inform people about their specific options and help victims make a plan. They offer information on internet safety, sexual behavior problems in youth, books on sexual abuse and resources on age-appropriate sexual behavior.
351 Pleasant Street, Northampton, Massachusetts 01061
(888) PREVENT or (888) 773-8368
- www.stopitnow.org
● SUPPORT & COUNSELING ●
Brain Injury Association of Ohio (BIAOH)
Their staff responds to telephone requests for information, educational materials and assistance. BIAOH maintains a database of support groups around the state for individuals with brain injury and their families. Click for a list of contacts in your area and other Ohio programs available.
855 Grandview Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(866) 644-6242 or (614) 481-7100
- www.biaoh.org
Buckeye Ranch
Offers overnight and outpatient services to help children (older than age 5), teens and families learn to manage the effects of trauma or abuse. Treatment services include individual, group and family counseling at several locations. They accept Medicaid but not private insurances.
  • 5665 Hoover Road, Grove City, Ohio 43123
  • 697 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
  • 2865 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
  • 68 West Church Street, Newark, Ohio 43055
Intake Department: (800) 859-5665 or (614) 384-7798
- www.buckeyeranch.org
Directions Counseling Group
Provides counseling for sexual abuse recovery.
6797 North High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 888-9200
- www.directionscounseling.com
Directions for Youth & Families
Provides several programs for youth age 5 and older, including individual, family and group counseling. They help those who have lost a loved one to homicide and those who are victims of sexual abuse. Their Promises Program helps survivors of sexual abuse overcome their traumatic experience and avoid future sexual abuse.
1515 Indianola Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 294-2661
- www.dfyf.org
Dublin Counseling Center
Offers counseling for children and adolescents who have experienced physical or sexual abuse.
299 Cramer Creek Court, Dublin, Ohio 43017
(614) 889-5722
- www.dublincounselingcenter.org
Huckleberry House
Provides emergency shelter and crisis intervention to youth ages 12 to 18. Runaway youth can go to a designated Safe Place site for immediate assistance and support at any 24-hour Kroger store, White Castle or local fire station. Teens must be willing to work on family problems. Support is free and confidential. Counseling is provided for children and teens ages 6 to 18.
1421 Hamlet Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
Crisis Hotline: (614) 294-5553
- www.huckhouse.org
Mount Carmel Crime & Trauma Assistance Program
Helps children and teen victims of crime and trauma, including survivors of childhood sexual abuse and other forms of trauma (such as natural disaster, car accidents, serious medical treatment or domestic violence). They provide free counseling and healing in both group and individual settings. Click for a list of their support groups or call their helpline. Interpreter services are available as well. To qualify, children must be above age 4 and have experienced a traumatic event in the past 6 months. Click for a helpful list of resources for children affected by violence.
777 West State Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(614) 234-5900
- www.mountcarmelhealth.com
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Behavioral Health & Counseling Services
Click for a list of services and programs available. They provide treatment for trauma and exposure to violence.
700 Children's Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 355-8080
- www.nationwidechildrens.org
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Child & Family Advocacy
Offers medical assessment and treatment, along with interviews of children who have experienced child abuse. They also offer evidence-based counseling for children and adolescents who have been sexually or physically abused or exposed to family violence. Their website also includes information about how to spot and report abuse.
655 East Livingston Avenue, Columbus Ohio 43205
(614) 722-8200
- www.nationwidechildrens.org/ccfa
North Central Mental Health Services
Their Family Focus program offers counseling for children, teens and families recovering from domestic violence and other forms of abuse. They accept private and government (Medicaid, Molina, Caresource) insurance. Families do not need a referral.
1301 North High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
(614) 227-6865
- www.ncmhs.org
Northwest Counseling Services
Works with families and children on a variety of issues, including child abuse and neglect.
1560 Fishinger Road, Columbus, Ohio 43221
(614) 457-7876
- www.northwestcounselingservices.org
Ohio Youth Advocate Program (OYAP)
Offers counseling services for children and adolescents and parenting classes. They also provide sex offender treatment services for youth and in-home programs for teens with aggressive or violent behaviors. They take foster care referrals and help connect foster children with resources in the community.
  • 1801 Watermark Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43215
    24-Hour Centralized Intake: (877) 692-7226
  • 1445 Summit Street, Columbus, Ohio 43201
    (866) 438-6508 or (614) 583-1005
  • 1303 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
    (800) 256-5001 or (614) 252-6927
  • 1984 Coffman Road, Newark, Ohio 43055
    (740) 349-7511
- www.nyap.org/Programs.cms.aspx
Rosemont Center
Provides individual and family counseling for children and youth of all ages who have experienced sexual abuse. The program also provides services to those who have developed sexual behavior problems.
2440 Dawnlight Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43211
(800) 753-0424 or (614) 416-8703
- www.rosemont.org
Southeast, Inc.
Their program for stalking victims offers information and education on Ohio’s stalking laws and offers assistance with evidence collection, protection orders, counseling, development of safety plans and crisis intervention.
16 West Long Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 225-0990
- www.southeastinc.com
St. Vincent Family Centers
Offers counseling services for children ages 0 to 18 and their families for a variety of issues, including sexual abuse, physical abuse or family conflict. Click for a brochure of their outpatient counseling services. They accept government insurance (Medicaid, Caresource, Molina), and families may refer themselves.
1490 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 252-0731
- www.svfc.org
Starr Columbus
Treats children and teens who have suffered physical and sexual abuse, and children who have sexual behavior issues. Counseling can be done as an outpatient, or children can stay overnight for more intensive treatment.
301 Obetz Road, Columbus, Ohio 43207
(866) 289-9202 or (614) 491-5784
- www.starr.org
Survivors to Alivers
Offers an online support community allowing survivors of sexual abuse, rape, child abuse and domestic violence to support and encourage each other along their journey of healing. Click for a list of helpful resources.
PO Box 215, Blacklick, OH 43004
(614) 733-9030
- www.survivorstoalivers.org
United Methodist Children’s Home
The Children’s Residential Center is for boys ages 10 and above who have suffered abuse and neglect, are mentally challenged or simply have nowhere else to go. The Wesley Family Services program is for families, and services include evaluation, individual and family counseling, crisis management, short term respite relief for caregivers and parenting support. Click to see specialized residential programs for lower functioning boys ages 10 to 20 and boys with conduct disorder.
1033 High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085
(614) 885-5020
- http://umchohio.org
Welcome to Our Place
Offers mental health counseling to children and families, as well as supervised transfer of children from one parent to the other. They also provide supervision during scheduled parental visitations. Visitations are available on-site or off-site.
700 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43214
(614) 888-1690
- http://welcometoourplace.org
● PREVENTION ●
Center for Effective Discipline
Provides educational information on the effects of corporal punishment of children and alternatives to its use. Their website has information about discipline at home and at school, as well as laws and helpful links.
155 West Main Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215
(614) 221-8829
- www.stophitting.com
Columbus Urban League
Offers a rape prevention and education course for females ages 11 to 65. They also offer a program called Victims of Crime Administration (VOCA), which assists victims of crime in accessing compensation.
788 Mount Vernon Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43203
English: (614) 257-6300 or Spanish: (614) 257-6300, ext. 128
- http://cul.org/education_dept.aspx
Help Me Grow (HMG)
Helps with concerns about a child’s development, such as an infant or toddler’s language, feeding, walking, handling of toys, seeing or hearing. Call the hotline to be connected to your local HMG program, or complete and submit the referral form on their website.
510 East Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 755-GROW or (800) 755-4769
- www.ohiohelpmegrow.org
Impact Safety
Teaches safety awareness through workshops offered for people of all ages, starting with children age 4 and above. Children learn personal safety skills, how to set boundaries and how to avoid dangerous situations. They also have experience working with people with special needs.
35 East Gay Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 221-2811
- http://impactsafety.org
Just Yell Fire
Teaches girls to fight back against predators and sexual assault. Download the free nationally recognized film.
PO Box 5647, Vancouver, Washington 98668
- www.justyellfire.com
Prevent Child Abuse Ohio
Offers information on a variety of topics related to child abuse, including shaken baby syndrome, signs of abuse and neglect, long-term consequences and more.
- www.pcao.org
● SEX OFFENDER REGISTRIES ●
Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website
Allows users to find information online about sex offenders through a number of search options.
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20530
(202) 514-2000
- www.nsopw.gov
eSORN Ohio Sex Offender Registry
Provides information about how to receive automated messages when a sex offender moves near a location you care about and how to submit tips to investigators on offenders within the system. The site also features information on the "Most Wanted" fugitives and persons who have failed to register. People can search the database records by county and name and submit anonymous tips.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 282-0515
- www.esorn.ag.state.oh.us
● SPECIALIZED SERVICES ●
Asian American Community Services
The Family Support Program helps Asian children and families who have experienced violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and hate crimes. They provide culturally sensitive case management, referral services and emotional support.
4700 Reed Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio 43220
(614) 220-4023
- http://aacsohio.org/Services/YouthFamily
Central Ohio Rescue & Restore / Gracehaven House
The only organization in Ohio focusing on domestic minor sex trafficking, Gracehaven will provide long-term shelter, counseling and help to girls under the age of 18 who are victims of sex trafficking when it opens. To get help or report a tip, call their helpline.
966 East Main Street, Columbus, Ohio 43205
(614) 285-4357 or (888) 881-5465
- www.gracehavenhouse.org
Community Refugee & Immigration Services (CRIS)
Offers counseling and support to limited English proficient (LEP) people who are victims of crimes or trafficking.
  • 3624 Bexvie Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43227
    (614) 235-5747
  • 4889 Sinclair Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229
    (614) 840-9634
  • 3000 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204
    (614) 279-1354
 - www.cris-ohio.com
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Franklin County
Helps abused and neglected children in need of a powerful voice to speak up for their best interest. CASA volunteers are appointed by the court to advocate for children and help them obtain a safe, permanent home.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 462-7450
- www.casacolumbus.org
● VICTIM HELP & LEGAL SERVICES ●
Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Assistance Unit
Provides information to victims and witnesses about the procedures of the criminal justice system. The Juvenile Division helps victims in cases where the offender is a parent or caretaker. Click for helpful information for crime victims.
373 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(614) 462-4440
- www.co.franklin.oh.us
Justice League of Ohio
Provides free legal help to crime victims in all counties throughout Ohio and helps with victim compensation claims. They protect children and families who are victims of homicide, rape, sexual assault, domestic violence and stalking. Complete their online contact form for immediate help.
3956 North Hampton Drive, Powell, Ohio 43065
(614) 848-8500
- www.thejusticeleagueohio.org
Office for Victims of Crime
Provides an online directory of crime victim services, victims’ rights information, resources for international victims and toll-free telephone numbers.
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20530
(202) 514-2000
- www.crimevictims.gov
Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS)
Although they do not provide direct services to victims, they offer a lot of information about local and state programs for victims of sexual assault, hate crimes, homicide, domestic violence, teen dating violence and sexual abuse.
1970 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43223
(614) 466-7782
- www.publicsafety.ohio.gov/ncvrw/child.htm
Ohio Attorney General Victims of Crime Compensation Program
Provides financial help to innocent victims of violent crimes (including domestic violence, sexual assault and homicide). Payments can cover medical expenses, counseling and lost wages. The application can be submitted online.
30 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 582-2877
- www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation & Correction Office of Victim Services
Offers several services for victims of crime, including crisis intervention and advocacy, information and referrals, notification regarding inmates and online resources for victims. They help with concerns related to offenders under community supervision. Call the toll-free number for more information.
770 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43222
(888) VICTIM4 or (888) 842-8464
- www.drc.ohio.gov
Ohio Legal Rights Service
Helps people throughout Ohio who are developmentally disabled, mentally ill or have other physical and mental impairments. The intake department can be contacted toll-free for confidential services. Their Client Assistance Program (CAP) can assist with cases of abuse and neglect for people applying for or receiving services from the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation or the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired.
50 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
(800) 282-9181 or (614) 466-7264
- http://olrs.ohio.gov
● BULLYING ●
Buckeye Region Anti-Violence Organization (BRAVO)
Teens can call the toll-free confidential helpline to receive advice and report hate crimes, discrimination, domestic violence or sexual assault. They also offer a domestic violence support group for lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgendered people.
PO Box 82068, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(866)-86-BRAVO or (866) 862-7286
- www.bravo-ohio.org
Bullying.org
Their website provides educational programs and resources for individuals, families and organizations that help people deal effectively and positively with the act of bullying.
- www.bullying.org
Ohio Resource Network for Safe & Drug Free Schools
Supports teachers, students and parents working across Ohio to establish safe schools and communities. They offer a lot of information on their website about programs and laws in Ohio regarding bullying.
2624 Clifton Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221
(800) 728-7254
- www.ebasedprevention.org/toolbox/bullying
US Department of Health & Human Services SAMHSA
Click to see the Take Action against Bullying Guide, a helpful guide for parents to learn how to talk to their kids about bullying and help to prevent it.
PO Box 2345, Rockville, Maryland 20847
(800) 789-2647
- http://mentalhealth.samhsa.gov
Youth Outreach for Victims Assistance Project (YOVA)
Offers facts and resources about bullying. Click for their helpful resource booklet for teens living in central Ohio.
PO Box 82068, Columbus, Ohio 43202
(614) 268-9622
- www.3outof4.com
_________________________________
CAP4Kids does not recommend or endorse the agencies or resources listed on the site. This is an informational site only. We encourage users to carefully review and evaluate all services and decide what is best to meet the needs of their families.