Signs of Abuse Resources

SL 2021-132/SB 693 PART VI.

Require Public Schools to Provide Students with Information and Resources on Child Abuse and Neglect, Including Sexual Abuse

On September 1, 2021, Senate Bill 693 was signed into Session Law 2021-132, effective immediately. This law prompted a revision to State Board of Education Policy SHLT-003 to support public school units (PSUs) in implementation of the requirements of the law. This includes traditional PSUs, charter schools, laboratory schools, and high schools under the control of The University of North Carolina. Among other requirements related to child welfare, this legislation requires the following of PSUs:

  1. A document with information on child abuse and neglect, including age-appropriate information on sexual abuse, must be provided by PSUs to students in grades six through 12 at the beginning of each school year;

  2. A display be posted in visible, high-traffic areas throughout each public secondary school; 

  3. The document and display shall include, at a minimum, the following information: 

    1. Likely warning signs indicating that a child may be a victim of abuse or neglect, including age-appropriate information on sexual abuse. 

    2. The telephone number used for reporting abuse and neglect to the department of social services in the county in which the school is located

    3. A statement that information reported pursuant to sub-subdivision b. shall be held in the strictest confidence, to the extent permitted by law,

    4. Available resources developed pursuant to G.S. 115C-105.51, including the anonymous safety tip line application. 

To further assist PSUs, NCDPI has developed a student document and poster display options that can be downloaded at the bottom of this page.   

Additional recommended considerations for PSUs:

  • How schools may want to notify parents of this information.

  • How schools will provide guidance for introduction, support, and response for anticipated trauma triggers.

  • How schools will support students who are found to have experienced abuse or neglect.

  • How schools will deter and address intentional misuse of reporting and false allegations.

The student handout document is front and back and must be filled in with the local Department of Social Service's child protection reporting phone number.  


It’s not your fault.nurse or other school staff. parent, teacher, counselor, social worker, want to talk to a trusted adult like a pain, fear or sadness. You may also It is wrong that you are suffering this affection and support needed for a child’Child neglect is when a parent or caregiver does not provide the care, supervision,emotional abuse happens often enough to cause emotional harm and fear over time.it is considered emotional abuse. While a single incident may be abuse, most oftenWhen a parent or caregiver causes harm to a child’s mental or emotional wellbeing,medical professional.normally covered by underwear except for the purposes of a medical exam by auses another child for sexual acts. You should never be touched by an adult in areasa child in sexual acts. It also includes when a child who is older or more powerfulSexual abuse occurs when an adult uses a child for sexual purposes or involvesan accident.Physical abuse is when a parent or caregiver injures or hurts a child, and it was notThere are different types of abuse. death, emotional harm, or risk of serious harm to a child. Child abuse is when someone, whether through action or failing to act, causes injury, No one has the right to abuse you or someone you know.You deserve to be safe.

access to school/educationappropriate treatment for injuries and sicknessParent/Caregiver does not provide care such as:Online Abusecyberstalkingthreatening messagesrequests for sexual or revealing photosuncomfortable or sexual conversationsBullying, emotionally, or bothcan hurt physicallybeing socially shut out of a groupce, threats, or teasing to overpowerrepeated, targeted, aggressive behaviorChild Neglecta safe place to stayclothing, food, and drinkSexual Abusenormally covered by underwearadults touching a youth’s body in areasforced sexual acts by an older childsexual acts between an adult and youthEmotional Abuseblamingname-callingmockingignoringPhysical AbuseshovingchokingkickinghittingCall 911In an emergency:report, will be held in the strictest confidence possible to maintain everyone’s safety.The identity of the person making the report, and all information obtained during the someone you think is being abused, please get help right away.If you see any of these signs, have been abused, or know To report abuse: