I Am a Mandatory Reporter by My Own Choice. Are You? [View all]

If I know of, or learn of someone who physically or sexually abuses a child, I will report that person to the authorities. Not based on rumors, of course, but on reliable evidence or information.

In every state, some people, including religious leader, teachers and medical workers, are mandatory reporters by law. In a few, everyone is considered to be a mandatory reporter. For me, it is simply part of my ethical compass. I cannot stand by and ignore knowledge that a child is suffering from such abuse, either by strangers, individuals involved with children through their jobs, or even parents. I will not ignore such things, because that would be tantamount to condoning them.

I believe that everyone should be a mandatory reporter. That's necessary because some institutions, including religious organizations, and even individuals, will knowingly cover up and tolerate child sexual and physical abuse.

Children cannot defend themselves. They rely on adults to protect them. We are all responsible for the vulnerable in our society.