Children & sexual abuse
According to RAINN, a child can never, in any situation, consent to any form of sexual activity. When someone engages in sexual behavior with a child, it is a crime that can have lasting emotional and physical effects.
Unfortunately, childhood rape is not a rare occurrence and is often carried out by a trusted loved one. This can cause deep shame and emotional turmoil, preventing a child from speaking out against the abuse. Find local resources where you can report suspicions of sexual abuse and find support resources for kids in crisis.
Stark County Job & Family Services, Children Services Division
Call the hotline right away to report child abuse. Referral specialists are available to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Local: (330) 455-KIDS (5437)
Local: (330) 455-KIDS (5437)
National: 1 (800) 233-KIDS (5437)
National: 1 (800) 233-KIDS (5437)
COMPASS Rape Crisis Hotline
If you suspect a child has been raped, call the 24-hour hotline for immediate assistance. Callers are referred to community support resources, while maintaining complete confidentiality.
Phone: 1 (800) 422-4453
Phone: 1 (800) 422-4453
Hours: 24/7
Child safety & support
Canton, OH 44718
Suite G
Alliance, OH 44601
Door 6
Canton, OH 44721
Canton, OH 44704
Suite 200
Canton, OH 44702
Canton, OH 44707
Suite 436
Canton, OH 44702
Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health
Services to reduce risk factors and increase resiliency:
4641 Fulton Dr. NW- Case management
- Diagnostic mental health assessments
- Medication management
Canton, OH 44718
Phone: 330-433-6075
Phone: 330-433-6075
Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health: Alliance
Mental and behavioral health services for Alliance children and families.
1207 West State St.Suite G
Alliance, OH 44601
Phone: (330) 823-5335
Phone: (330) 823-5335
Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health: Plain Community
Mental and behavioral health services for children and families.
1811 Schneider St. NEDoor 6
Canton, OH 44721
Phone: (330) 470-4061
Phone: (330) 470-4061
Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health: Shipley Office
Mental and behavioral health services for children and families.
919 2nd St. NECanton, OH 44704
Phone: (330) 454-7917
Phone: (330) 454-7917
Children’s Network of Stark County
Helping to investigate and prosecute crimes against children.
213 Market Ave. NSuite 200
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 451-1700
Phone: (330) 451-1700
COMPASS Rape Crisis
24/7 Confidential Hotline: 330-452-1111 Mental health, counseling, and case management services for all survivors of rape and sexual assault Confidential Hotline
Hospital Advocacy
Justice System Advocacy
408 9th St. SWCanton, OH 44707
24/7 Phone: (330) 452-1111
24/7 Phone: (330) 452-1111
Hours: 24/7
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)/ Guardian Ad Litem (GAL)
Representing the rights and interests of abused, neglected and dependent children in Stark County.
110 Central Plz. SSuite 436
Canton, OH 44702
Phone: (330) 451-7914
Phone: (330) 451-7914
Crisis & emergencies
Canton, OH 44708
Domestic Violence Project, Inc. (DVPI)
24-hour Crisis Hotline: 330-453-SAFE (7233) Provides emergency shelter and support services to victims of domestic violence in Stark County and surrounding communities
- Emergency Protective Shelter
- Outreach and Aftercare
- Legal Advocacy
- Transitional Housing
- Medical Advocacy
- Peer Support
Hotline: 330-453-SAFE (7233)
Hotline: 330-453-SAFE (7233)
Email: info@dvpi.org
HAVEN Program
Provides medical forensic nursing care to individuals impacted by violence, elder abuse and neglect, domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual assault. Visit the website for more information.
1320 Mercy Dr. NWCanton, OH 44708
Phone: (330) 489-1000, ext. 2170
Phone: (330) 489-1000, ext. 2170
United Way of Greater Stark County
Parenting & family support
Canton, OH 44707
Canton, OH 44708
Goodwill Community Campus
On the Ken Weber Community Campus Employment, education and family strengthening services Pre-Employment Services Help members of our community gain the necessary skills to qualify for better jobs, which means a brighter future Job Placement Services From completing a job application form to interviewing skills and hiring events, we make sure to help you not only qualify for the job but get the job Family Strengthening Social Services Financial Literacy Literacy Services COMPASS – for survivors of rape or sexual abuse Parenting Skills Training Program: Classroom based program that educates parents who are at risk or who have had children placed in foster or alternative care. Home-Based Parenting Program: Provides education and real-life application with support in the parents’ own home Parents Anonymous: Weekly support group for parents and/or caregivers that encourages mutual support and safe, strong families Outreach Provides outreach services for Northeast Ohio communities through The Ken Weber Community Campus in downtown Canton, Ohio. Our facility houses a multitude of organizations that reach out to the community to touch the lives of those in need.
408 9th St. SWCanton, OH 44707
Hide HoursShow Hours
Mon.
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tue.
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wed.
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thu.
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Fri.
9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Parents Anonymous
Self-help group encouraging parents to make lasting, effective, positive changes in their lives.
142 Arlington Ave. NWCanton, OH 44708
Phone: (330) 445-1061
Phone: (330) 445-1061
What to do if you have been assaulted
According to Mercy Medical Center, you should follow these steps to ensure you get the care you need after an assault:
- Contact HAVEN for immediate medical attention from the Mercy Emergency Department.
- Get to a safe space as soon as possible.
- In cases of sexual assault, try to avoid changing your clothes, bathing or brushing your teeth.
- Reach out for support from a trusted adult.
- Remember you have options.
- Request a medical forensic evaluation to address concerns related to the assault (even if you do not have any obvious injuries).
What to expect during your emergency visit
You can expect the following when you seek treatment through the HAVEN program at Mercy Medical Center:
- You will be moved to a private waiting room or medical treatment area as soon as possible.
- A doctor will perform an evaluation and provide treatment for any physical injuries.
- Evidence may be collected, including clothing, hair, blood, urine or other samples at no additional charge.
- Examiners will provide information about your care options and recommendations for safety planning.
- Medical staff will offer any medications or vaccinations needed, which may include prophylactic medications for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and HIV.
- Members of the clinical team will help you complete a Victim of Crime Compensation application.
- The nursing staff will talk to you about your rights as a victim of crime and connect you with local social service providers.