Helping Kids Stop Child Abuse by Using Anonymous Helplines & Apps

There are many reasons that children don’t report child abuse—fear of retaliation, guilt, shame—but the simplest might be that they don’t have anyone to talk to about it.

That’s where helplines like 2NDFLOOR® come in: offering children an anonymous way to talk about what’s happening to them or someone they know, receive guidance, and help end the cycle of abuse. The 2NDFLOOR® free youth helpline provides 24/7/365 support via a new app, phone, text, and website for New Jersey youth ages 10-24.

Child Abuse has been on the rise in New Jersey and the rest of the United States. In 2024, there were 546,159 reported victims of child abuse and neglect nationally, according to the Child Maltreatment Report 2023 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Administration for Children and Families. In 2023, the four counties in NJ with the highest number of cases of reported abuse/neglect were Essex (10,288), Camden (8,533), Middlesex (7,218), Ocean (6,927), according to The Annie E. Casey Foundation.

“Apps and helplines like 2NDFLOOR® give young people a safe and reliable way to ask for help when they need it most. Not every child has a trusted adult to turn to, and starting a tough conversation can feel overwhelming,” said Liz Graham, Chief Executive of 180 Turning Lives Around, which provides programs and support for victims of domestic and sexual violence in N.J., and operates 2NDFLOOR®. “That’s where we come in. 2NDFLOOR® is available 24/7, offering free, confidential support to New Jersey youth through calls, texts, or online chats. No matter what they’re going through, they don’t have to face it alone.”

There are challenges that arise with getting young people to use these resources, but providing them the motivation to seek help when they need it makes all the difference.

“The biggest barriers are awareness, accessibility, and trust. Kids can’t reach out if they don’t know we exist, and even when they do, they need to feel safe and comfortable enough to take that first step,” said Graham.

Here are three ways to encourage young people to talk about seeking help:

• Normalize it – Let kids know that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Everyone needs support sometimes.
• Offer different ways to connect – Some kids prefer texting, others feel better talking. Giving them options lets them reach out in a way that feels right for them.
• Be consistent – The more kids hear about these resources—whether in school, online, or from trusted adults—the more likely they are to remember and use them when they need to.

In 2024, 94,801 children were referred for an abuse/neglect investigation to the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency, according to the Child Abuse/Neglect report by Rutgers School of Social Work. In 2023, 1,968 child fatalities were attributed to maltreatment in the United States, with 14 occurring in New Jersey, according to Child Trends.

Physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional maltreatment each have their own warning signs to identify when a child is at risk. This information is provided by the State of New Jersey: Department of Children and Families and Ocean County New Jersey Tina’s House Child Advocacy Center.

Physical Abuse:

1. Unexplained bruises, welts, cuts, burns, fractures, lacerations, abrasions, or marks from a hand or belt.
2. Acts distrustful or careful around adults, anxious when other children cry, frightened of parents or to go home, behavior becomes withdrawn or aggressive.
3. Wears inappropriate clothing to cover marks/injuries, faded bruises/marks that appear after an absence from school or activities.

Physical Neglect:

1. Constant hunger or begging/stealing food, fatigue, unsuitable dress, or poor hygiene.
2. Lack of supervision, alone with no caregiver, extended stays at school.
3. Unattended physical or mental problems, alcohol or drug abuse, delinquency.

Sexual Abuse:

1. Hesitant to change or participate in gym or school, poor peer relationships, delinquency, reports being sexually assaulted by caregiver or individual.
2. Trouble walking or sitting; pain, rashes, bleeding, or itching in the private area; pain when using the bathroom.
3. Withdrawn or immature demeanor, sophisticated or unusual sexual behavior or knowledge, inappropriate displays of affection.

Emotional Maltreatment:
Experiences behavior extremes including demanding, compliant, passive, or aggressive, overly adaptive behavior including inappropriately adult or infant, changes in alertness, or unusual depression.

1. Habit disorders: sucking, rocking, or biting.
2. Conduct disorders: uncommunicative, unsocial, or destructive.
3. Neurotic traits: speech conditions, sleep disorders, or hesitance with playing.

The ability to identify some of these red flags for abuse can help increase awareness, but it is critical to encourage anyone who needs help to connect with the programs and resources available.
“The fact that 2NDFLOOR® is affiliated with 180 Turning Lives Around means that our network allows us to connect youth with specialized support beyond our helpline, whether that’s counseling, shelter, or legal help,” explained Graham. “By working together, we ensure that kids not only get immediate emotional support but also access to long-term solutions that help them heal and move forward.”
Important Resources:

• 2NDFLOOR® helpline at 1-888-222-2228, visit the website www.2ndfloor.org, or download the app (App Store) (Google Play)
• NJ Child Abuse Hotline (24-hour reporting line) 1-877 NJ ABUSE (1-877-652-2873)
• National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
• Domestic Violence: Call (888) 843-9262
• Sexual Violence: Call (888) 264-7273
• Deaf & Hard of Hearing: Text (732) 977-2832
• Family Justice Center: Call (732) 264-4360 ext. 5000

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ABOUT 2NDFLOOR®

2NDFLOOR® is a statewide youth helpline that provides 24/7/365 support to NJ youth ages 10-24 as they face life's challenges. The 2NDFLOOR® app, launched in 2024, has expanded the helpline with message board chats that instantly connect them with a professional. It is anonymous, confidential, and free, and it only takes a second to get professional support. 2NDFLOOR® meets young people where they are and how they need support. Youth who call the toll-free helpline are assisted with their daily life challenges by trained professionals and volunteers familiar with a myriad of concerns. Staff and volunteers offer comfort, respect, empathy, and guidance to callers.

2NDFLOOR® has served thousands of young people since it was founded in 2008 as a statewide helpline, averaging over 300 texts and 100 phone calls monthly. The app has been downloaded over 4,000 times.

2NDFLOOR® is a program of 180 Turning Lives Around and funded in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families.