Every ten seconds in this country a child abuse report is filed.
Now, more people in Georgia have a legal obligation to report suspected abuse.
Even volunteers who work with children must now speak up if they think a child is being abused.
If they don't, they could go to jail.
Five children die every day due to child abuse, but there are still some people who aren't aware of their duties.
Some people worry about reporting something to police that is not abuse, but District Attorney Greg Edwards says when in doubt, report.
For years, teachers and other caregivers have been responsible for reporting any suspected abuse. Now, members of the clergy, nurse's aides and volunteers fall into that category as well.
If you don't, you could be charged with a misdemeanor, face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 dollar fine.
District Attorney Greg Edwards wants to spread that message.
"They should inform the volunteers of the responsibilities brought on by volunteering in that particular area," said District Attorney Greg Edwards.
But some people ask what the difference between abuse is and discipline, Edwards says when trying to make a distinction use common sense.
Some signs of abuse could be poor hygiene, below average height and weight and injuries but if it turns out what you report is not abuse, you are protected.
"You won't be charged with making a false report of a crime or you won't be liable to a civil lawsuit because what you reported ultimately reported was not determined to be an act of child abuse or neglect," said Edwards,
If you report suspected abuse to a director or person in charge and they fail to report it to DFACS or authorities you are protected. But it's best if you report suspected abuse directly to law enforcement or DFACS.
"When in doubt report, don't take it for granted that its being handled or maybe that's it's something you shouldn't report," said Edwards
If you do go directly to authorities, you shouldn't worry about being fired or other form of retaliation.
"The person doing the terminating could face civil liability for doing that," said Edwards
Edwards says, when in doubt, report because you could save an innocent child's life.
There is one exception to the rule, any religious leader who learns about abuse through a confidential confession is *NOT* required to report.
The District Attorney says he would be happy to make a presentation to any organization that falls into this "mandatory reporter" category.
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