To Report Child Abuse

Nebraska: 1 (800) 652-1999
Iowa: 1 (800) 362-2178

To Contact Us

(402) 595-1326
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
After hours by appointment only

See. Talk. Act.

Learn how to be a safe adult

How can we be someone in the life of a child? How can we be a safe and trusted adult? What does that actually mean? This all may seem daunting, but we can narrow it down to three simple yet important steps: See. Talk. Act.

Child abuse can be hard to see.

As a safe adult, it’s your responsibility to ask children if they’re okay. Their answer may be hard to hear, but you’re not in this alone. Project Harmony’s child advocacy experts know how to help.

Project Harmony is here for the child, their family and even you, the safe and trusted adult who intervened.

But where do you start?

See.

Notice the differences.

We may not know all the signs of child abuse, but we can usually tell if a child is acting differently than they normally do. Sometimes they act out, other times they may seem more reserved. Oftentimes, children are testing the waters, as they are trying to see if we are a safe adult versus the adult that’s hurting them. They will sometimes leave clues about what’s happening to them, especially if you have a strong relationship with them.

This change in behavior is a key indicator that something is happening to them. Consistent negative behavior, such as acting out or causing trouble, is another sign that the child could be experiencing abuse or neglect.

Learn more about other signs of abuse here.

Talk.

Ask the question to start the conversation. Are you okay? Did something happen to you?

This is the step that can be intimidating for adults. How are we supposed to ask what’s happening if we don’t know what to do when we hear the answer?

All you need to do is start the conversation and create a safe space for the child. Ensure they know you are a safe adult, as sometimes a trusted adult can be their abuser.

A safe adult establishes a safe space by:

– Being present in the moment.

– Reassuring the child they are not in trouble with the adult talking to them.

– Reassuring the child you believe them.

– Not making promises that cannot be kept such as, “This won’t be reported,” “No one will get mad”, “Nothing bad will happen,” or “You will be safe.”

– Not physically reacting to what they are saying. It may be shocking to you, but this could be a normal situation for the child and physical reaction might instill negative feelings.

– Not judging or trying to guess next steps.

– Using the child’s language. If they are saying they are scared, say “That does sound scary.” If they use correct anatomical parts, use those same terms. If they are not using anatomical parts, do not give them that language to use. Do not assume what they are trying to say.

Be curious. All you need to do to start the conversation is to say, “Are you okay? Did something happen to you?” Let the child guide the conversation and what they are comfortable to say. Then utilize the above items for your reactions and to help encourage the child to talk longer.

Act.

You don’t need to be an expert. Let Project Harmony be there for you.

Project Harmony’s child advocacy experts make it easier by taking away some of the stress and uncertainty you may feel. Project Harmony serves thousands of children of abuse every year — we know how to handle these situations. That’s why connecting with Project Harmony is important, so you are empowered to ask important questions and help protect the children in your life.

Here’s what to expect when you make a report of suspected child abuse.

If you suspect a child being abused or they have disclosed to you, you are a mandatory reporter and are expected to report abuse. To start the process, call:

Nebraska: 1-800-652-1999 (Child Abuse Hotline) or local law enforcement

Iowa: 1-800-362-2178 (Child Abuse Hotline) or local law enforcement

All I wanted for so long was to someone to say, ‘Are you okay?’

— Hailey Fisher, child abuse survivor and Project Harmony Service League member 

Watch her story

We wish to thank you for your hospitality and the wonderful program and tour of Project Harmony. We are so fortunate to have an organization acting on the behalf of our children with such outstanding enthusiasm and dedication.

- Rotary Club of Omaha Northwest

Thank you so much for coming to Children’s and speaking to our staff. Your talk on “Understanding Poverty” was excellent, and I could see “wheels turning” as some staff members commented on simple ways their interactions might make a difference for children and parents.

- Patty Carrell, CMSW

I have felt that my input has been highly valued and respected when it comes to doing my job, and that is something that speaks volumes to the working environment here at Project Harmony.

- Brenda Jewell

We began collaborating with the Project Harmony through their Connections program last year, and we’ve continued the partnership. Connections represents an extremely valuable partnership and an opportunity to provide our students with a bridge to mental health services.

- Papillion La Vista Community Schools

Our experience and partnership with Project Harmony/Connections has been fantastic! It is a comfort knowing we have a partner who can connect our students and families with the appropriate resources in times of crisis or trauma.

- Millard Public Schools

This shadowing experience actually made me very interested in this field. One aspect that helped me narrow my choice of careers is the environment that Project Harmony had. It was very upbeat, cheerful and bright.

- UNMC High School Alliance Program – Student Journal

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Project Harmony for planning and delivering professional development to our 70 counselors, social workers and community counselors. We feel fortunate to have such a valuable resource in our community to partner with.

- Millard Public Schools

You have a top rate program – really national quality. I’m totally impressed.

- Lisa Fontes

At our last D2 Center Board meeting, I was describing the training and professional development we provide for our staff. At the top of the list was Project Harmony. Please know that you are providing an invaluable service to nonprofits in our community.

- Greg Emmel

Congratulations on the great media coverage of your Stewards class at Project Harmony on WOWT. You did a great job articulating the importance of prevention, and Susan was amazing too. Thank you so much for your partnership and all the important work you are doing.

- Cindy McElhinney – Darkness to Light

Just wanted to know that you made a difference in my life, and I will be using that momentum to make a difference in the lives of others. You are truly a rock star and a role model for me. Thank you for a new life I’m getting the chance to live.

- Anonymous

Many children through my caseload have received a backpack generously donated to the Project Harmony Triage Center. I have witnessed many faces light up when given the opportunity to pick out a new backpack, and I am very grateful for the generosity of the Junior League.

- DHHS – Children & Family Services

I have never felt as valued at other organizations like I do at Project Harmony. I really feel that the culture of a working environment is incredibly important. If an employee feels respected, valued and supported, that person will likely give more to fulfill the mission.

- Javier Castellote

Nick and Javier were great teachers and role players. It gave us an opportunity to see how someone in that situation would have reacted to our questions. They did a great job at showing us the difference between sympathy and empathy.

- Anonymous

I was able to shadow Mr. Nick Zadina. He was in charge of dealing with abused kids and help them. I am thankful to know all the information I learned during shadowing because it was eye opening.

- UNMC High School Alliance Program – Student Journal

The experience at Project Harmony was a deepening reminder of empathy that will be vital in my career as a nurse. I felt my perspective was widened on how others think, especially when discussing the assumptions we make.

- Anonymous

I didn’t know how many people work at Project Harmony, so I drew a lot to show how much Project Harmony means to me!

- Project Harmony Client

As difficult as a removal is on a child, the backpack they receive at Project Harmony provides a sense of belonging and hope. It truly is amazing something that seems so simple can change the perspective and shine light on these children.

- DHHS – Children & Family Services

Great leadership for a wonderful cause with outstanding long-term goals. Keep on doing all the good you do.

- Bill & Jean O’Conner

Project Harmony is the reason I started my journey in college. I just finished my associates and I'm going for my bachelors now in Child Protection and Juvenile Justice. Y'all helped my daughter back in early 2013 and I knew what I wanted to do with my life — help children.

- LaLa Ann

A young lady who works in our field told me that she loved what we do here at Project Harmony — she had been to Project Harmony seven years ago for a forensic interview. She said her positive experience was the biggest reason she is doing the work that she is today.

- Trainee

I found out that my foster son is going to have a forensic interview here at Project Harmony soon. It’s been interesting being on the other side of things and feeling so reassured that the child I care so deeply about is in very caring and capable hands.

- Jessica Kroeker

Nick demonstrated how one person could impact a huge group of student nurses by just attending his presentation. He gave me the reason, the courage to act, and the knowledge how to save victims that I will face in my future nursing career.

- Anonymous

I recently attended the Testifying Training course. Since that class I have been subpoenaed three times, and I had to testify at each hearing. Without this class I would have been less than prepared and too nervous to be credible. Thank you so much!

- Jenny Lewis

You are part of the solution.

The cycle of abuse does not have to continue, but we can’t end it alone. Anyone has the power to be someone who makes our community a safe place for all children.

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