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Health · Malta
Updated September 2026

🧒 I am worried a child is being abused or neglected — who do I tell?

Direct answer

You do not need proof — a worry is enough, and you will not be blamed if it turns out to be nothing. Aġenzija Appoġġ — Servizzi għall-Ħarsien tat-Tfal / 179 (179) is the child-protection service for Malta: they assess, advise you about what you have seen, and act if needed; you can call anonymously. Kellimni.com / Supportline 179 (179) is the helpline for children and young people themselves — tell the child it exists. A child in immediate danger: Pulizija ta' Malta — għassa tal-pulizija / 112 (112).

Call firstAġenzija Appoġġ — Servizzi għall-Ħarsien tat-Tfal / 179
Report toKellimni.com / Supportline 179
If that failsPulizija ta' Malta — għassa tal-pulizija / 112

🗣️ What to say

"I am worried about a child, [name/age if known], at [address / school]. I have noticed [what: injuries, statements, being left alone, hunger, fear] on [dates]. I am [neighbour / teacher / relative]. I would like advice on what to do / to report this."

🪜 Step by step

  1. Write down what you sawFacts, dates, the child's own words if any. Do not interrogate the child.
  2. Call Aġenzija Appoġġ — Servizzi għall-Ħarsien tat-Tfal / 179For advice first if you are unsure; they help you decide. Anonymity is possible.
  3. Danger now: Pulizija ta' Malta — għassa tal-pulizija / 112Police and emergency services. Do not wait for the service's office hours.
  4. Professionals: your dutyTeachers, doctors and carers have a legal duty or a protocol to report. Use it.
  5. Keep the child in viewA trusted adult who keeps noticing is the best protection until the service acts.

📇 All contacts

Aġenzija Appoġġ — Servizzi għall-Ħarsien tat-Tfal / 179Reporting a child at risk, 24/7As soon as a child worries you📞 179🔗 fsws.gov.mt/en/appogg/Pages/child-protection-services.aspx
Kellimni.com / Supportline 179For children and young people, freeFor children and teenagers📞 179🔗 kellimni.com
Pulizija ta' Malta — għassa tal-pulizija / 112Report at any police stationTheft, threats, stalking📞 112🔗 pulizija.gov.mt
Aġenzija Sapport / Aġenzija Appoġġ / Kummissjoni għad-Drittijiet ta' Persuni b'DiżabilitàDisability services, community care, supportFor care and support📞 2295 9000🔗 fsws.gov.mt
Victim Support Malta / Uffiċċju għall-Appoġġ lill-Vittmi (Pulizija)Free victim support, state compensationAfter any crime📞 2122 8333🔗 victimsupport.org.mt

❓ Frequently asked

Will the child be taken away?

Removal is the last resort; the first response is support for the family. Reporting is the start of help, not of separation.

What if I am wrong?

Reports in good faith carry no liability. Services expect and prefer early, uncertain reports.

The child told me something in confidence

You can promise to help, not to keep it secret. Explain that you have to tell someone whose job it is to keep them safe.

📎 Sources

Last checked: 2026-09-26

🔎 Common searches

Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.

  • “report child abuse Malta”
  • “child protection helpline Malta”
  • “worried about a child who to call”
  • “child neglect report anonymous”
  • “child helpline number”

🧭 Is this still correct?

We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.

🔗 Related questions

🆘Domestic violence→🏥Medical complaint→👨‍⚕️Find a doctor→♿Care support refused→

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