Originally posted by robbie carrobieThat wasn't what I asked you. Let's put it this way: Do you yourself think covering up sexual abuse deserves to be treated as something along the lines of criminal conspiracy, or aiding & abetting a crime, or obstruction of justice or some such. Looking here for your personal view, not a comment about your legal knowledge.
I have no idea how the law stands.
Originally posted by FMFI think if there was mandatory reporting it would solve a lot of issues then people who knew or suspected abuse could be held liable for failing to report it.
That wasn't what I asked you. Let's put it this way: Do you yourself think covering up sexual abuse deserves to be treated as something along the lines of criminal conspiracy, or aiding & abetting a crime, or obstruction of justice or some such. Looking here for your personal view, not a comment about your legal knowledge.
Originally posted by robbie carrobieShould such people ~ who fail to report what is a serious crime ~ be treated as criminals and prosecuted as such, in your view?
I think if there was mandatory reporting it would solve a lot of issues then people who knew or suspected abuse could be held liable for failing to report it.
The downside of mandatory reporting is that perpetrators may be less likely to come forward if they know that as soon as they do it will be reported. There is also the matter of corroboration. I knew one man who was not a witness whose step daughter falsely accused him of abuse over a family row about money.
Originally posted by robbie carrobieShouldn't the perpetrators answer for their serious crimes to society at large and don't the victims and their families deserve justice?
The downside of mandatory reporting is that perpetrators may be less likely to come forward if they know that as soon as they do it will be reported.