What Should You Report If You Witness Child Abuse?

If you see or suspect that a child is being abused, reporting it as soon as possible can help keep the child safe. The more accurate information you can provide, the faster authorities can respond.

 

1. Who is involved?

If you know, please provide:

  • The child's name and approximate age
  • The child's address, school, or usual location
  • The child's or caregiver's contact information (if available)
  • The suspected perpetrator's name and relationship to the child (if known)

If you don't know these details, describe the child as clearly as possible, including their approximate age, gender, physical appearance, clothing, and where they were seen.

Please also provide your name and phone number. Your information will be kept confidential and may help authorities contact you if more details are needed.

 

2. What happened?

Describe what you saw or heard as clearly as possible:

  • What happened?
  • Who was involved?
  • When did it happen?
  • Where did it happen? Include the address, landmarks, or GPS location if possible.
  • Did you hear the child crying, calling for help, or other sounds that caused concern?

If you have photos or videos that may help the investigation, send them directly to the authorities. Do not post or share them on social media, as this may further harm the child's privacy and safety.

 

3. If You Receive a Video or Image Showing Child Abuse

  • Check whether the incident is recent and whether the child has already been helped.
  • Forward the video or image to the appropriate authorities instead of sharing it online and include any information you know, such as who was involved, where it happened, or when it occurred.
  • Do not repost or circulate images or videos of abused children.

 

4. Where to Report

If a child may be in danger, contact one of the following:

  • 1300 – OSCC Hotlines (24 hours), Ministry of Social Development and Human Security
  • ESS Help Me application (Emergency Social Service)
  • 191 or your local police station (for emergencies)
  • 1387 – Childline Thailand
  • The Center for the Protection of Children’s Rights Foundation (CPCR)

 

Your report could be the first step toward protecting a child.

Even if you're unsure, it's better to report your concerns than to stay silent.

Child Protection Practitioners can assess the situation and provide the support the child needs.