As responsible adults we have a moral responsibility to look out for a child's welfare. Tragically, there are adults who misuse their power, who turn the child's life into a living hell.
Most child abuse takes place in the home.
Usually, kids are not mature enough to recognize the danger signs or understand they are being abused. Or, they are too frightened to say anything. But anyone who reasonably believes something is wrong should also do so. The misconception exists that, after a report of child abuse, the parents are arrested and the child is put in a foster home. While this may happen in extreme cases, it's more likely the family will be referred to counseling or parenting classes, based on the recommendation of trained child protective agency investigators after careful study and evaluation.