Tip
At the Oregon REALTORS® 2026 Fall Convention, the topic of abuse reporting was discussed at the Principal Broker Forum. Members asked Oregon REALTORS® to provide additional education and resources to help brokers navigate abuse-related situations.
Over the next several weeks, the Tip of the Week will focus on abuse reporting topics. Oregon REALTORS® is also committed to developing a comprehensive abuse-reporting training program for brokers. That training will take time to create, but additional resources are already being developed.
In 2024, Oregon’s Child Abuse Hotline answered 169,623 calls. Of those, 94,906 contacts were screened, 45,918 reports were assigned to Child Protective Services, and 8,242 assessments resulted in findings of abuse.
Put another way, fewer than 5% of hotline calls resulted in substantiated abuse findings. However, more than 80,000 situations raised enough concern to warrant further review.
The majority of calls came from mandatory reporters. Approximately 80% of hotline reports were made by individuals who are required by law to report suspected abuse, and schools alone accounted for roughly 25% of all hotline calls.
Among substantiated cases, threat of harm represented approximately half of all findings. Neglect accounted for roughly 25%, with other forms of physical abuse making up most of the remaining cases. Nearly 90% of substantiated abuse involved a family member as the perpetrator.
Overall, Oregon ranks seventh nationally for child maltreatment, with 13.6 victims per 1,000 children compared to the national average of 7.2 per 1,000.
The statistics become even more concerning when looking at foster care. Oregon’s rate of abuse in foster care is nearly three times the national average, and the state is often cited as having the highest rate of foster child abuse in the country.
In practical terms, roughly one foster child in Oregon is abused each day. The official measurement is 24.7 cases per 100,000 foster-care days in a system serving approximately 4,600 foster children.
The Oregon Department of Human Services has argued that Oregon’s definition of child maltreatment is broader than that used by many other states, which may contribute to higher reporting rates. However, a 2026 class-action lawsuit filed by Disability Rights Oregon alleged that the state has missed numerous internal and federal performance targets, contributing to poor outcomes for children.
Why This Matters to REALTORS®
Stress and housing instability are both recognized risk factors in child abuse cases.
As a real estate professional, you often interact with families in more personal and informal settings than many other professionals. You may meet with clients who are under significant financial strain, facing the loss of a home, or struggling to find stable housing.
That unique access can place you in a position to notice concerns that others may not see.
Just as with elder abuse, Oregon REALTORS® are not mandatory reporters. Reporting concerns is not required by law, but it is strongly encouraged when you have reason to believe a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect.
Potential Warning Signs of Child Abuse
No single indicator proves abuse is occurring. However, repeated warning signs or a pattern of concerning behavior may warrant a report.
Unexplained injuries
- Injuries that appear illogical, inconsistent, or unexplained.
- Bruises or injuries to the neck, ears, or private areas.
- Injuries to the mouth or teeth of children who are not yet mobile.
Unmet health needs
- Medical, dental, vision, or mental health needs that appear untreated or ignored.
Behavioral indicators in the child
- Persistent extreme fatigue.
- Signs of self-harm.
- Loss of previously developed skills, such as regression in toilet training.
- Expressions of fear around a parent or caregiver.
- Statements that the child does not feel safe at home or does not want to return home.
- Indications that the child is being left unsupervised before they can safely care for themselves.
- Direct disclosures of abuse.
Behavioral indicators in adults
- Ignoring a child’s basic needs, feelings, or emotional well-being.
- Referring to a child as bad, evil, or worthless.
- Speaking about a child in sexual terms.
- Purposefully isolating a child from others.
Trust Your Observations
The Oregon Department of Human Services advises individuals to consider the full context of what they are seeing and hearing. It also encourages people to be aware of personal biases, particularly when interacting with families from different cultural or racial backgrounds.
However, you should not talk yourself out of making a report if you genuinely believe a child may be experiencing abuse. The purpose of reporting is not to determine whether abuse occurred. It is to alert the appropriate authorities so they can assess the situation.
How to Report Suspected Child Abuse
The Oregon Department of Human Services operates a child abuse hotline 24 hours a day.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, call 1-855-503-SAFE (7233).
If possible, be prepared to provide:
- The name and address of the child and parent or caregiver.
- The child’s age.
- The nature and extent of the suspected abuse.
- Any previous concerns or observations.
- Any explanation provided for the injuries or circumstances.
- Information that may help identify the alleged abuser.
- Whether the child is Native American or Alaska Native, as required under the Indian Child Welfare Act.
- Any cultural or language considerations.
- Whether the child has a disability or special needs.
Additional guidance is available through the Oregon CASA resource “What You Can Do About Child Abuse.”