Make a report any time, day or night, by calling 1-855-444-3911. You will reach the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and a staff member will assist you in making a report.

Answer to the best of your ability.

Focus on what you know. Stick to what is factually known and what you have personally observed or suspect.

1. Visit https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/s/isd-partnershiplanding?language=en_US

2. Create Account

3. Report as a “Community Partner”

You are definitely qualified to make a report! You are considered a community partner, or someone who is not required by law to report.

Most child sexual abuse is not seen, and no one expects you to be the investigator. Ask only open-ended questions when a child discloses to you such as, “What happened next?” and “Can you tell me more?”

Collect your thoughts. Take a brief moment to gather some basic data, such as:

• Name, age, gender, and other identifying markers for all adults and children involved

• Addresses or location

• Information regarding disabilities and/or limitations of the victims (especially for vulnerable adult victims)

• Relationship of the alleged perpetrator to the child or adult victim(s)

• Other relevant information, such as directions to the victim or potential risks to the investigator

An average call takes just 15 minutes to complete and you must call immediately when you are informed of or have suspicions of abuse. You may give your name or make an anonymous report.

Yes! Adults often experience a “gut feeling” that things are not safe or appropriate. Trust you instincts and think about what caused your feelings in the first place.

Every report is unique. When a report is made, the investigating party determines next steps. In the Grand Traverse Region, child protection and law enforcement are given the option of using the Traverse Bay Children’s Advocacy Center to assist in the investigation and to provide follow-up services.

Child sexual abuse involves any sexual activity with a child where consent is not or cannot be given, regardless of whether there is deception or the child understands the sexual nature of the activity. This includes:

• All sexual contact between an adult and a child.

• Sexual contact that is accomplished by force or threat of force, regardless of the age of the participants.

• Sexual contact between an older and a younger child if there is a significant disparity in age, development, or size, rendering the younger child incapable of giving informed consent.

• Any intentional touching/contact that can be reasonably construed as being for the purpose of sexual arousal, gratification, or any other improper purpose.

• Sexual penetration.

• Non-contact sexual acts such as exposure or voyeurism.

• Accosting, soliciting, or enticing a child to commit, or attempt to commit, an act of sexual contact or penetration, including prostitution.

• The discovery of child pornography.