The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is raising awareness about child abuse during April in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Thomas Pristow, the department’s director of Children and Family Services, says it’s important to identify signs of child abuse so it can be prevented.

Pristow says everyone has a responsibility to report child abuse or neglect when it is suspected.

The indicators of abuse include neglect and physical, emotional or sexual abuse. Pristow says the indicators are not always obvious. He says the sooner abuse is identified and reported, the more likely a child is to receive helpful services and recover.

Child abuse can be reported by calling Nebraska’s Family Helpline at 1-888-866-8660.