If you suspect a child is being abused, or if you or someone in your family has been accused of child abuse, it’s important to know what steps to take first. As child abuse laws vary from state to state, it can be difficult to know what state agency or officials to contact.

The guides below will walk you through the basics, from the the physical and emotional ramifications of child abuse to who to contact to report suspected abuse, the applicable federal laws, and what to do if you have been accused or are in danger of losing your children.