Factors influencing school counsellors' decision to report cases of child sexual abuse

Abstract

This study examines factors which influence school counsellors' decision to report suspected cases of child sexual abuse. Using a state-wide sample of 122 school counsellors, consisting of 52 males and 70 females, in Queensland, Australia, results show there was a tendency for school counsellors to under-report their suspicions of child sexual abuse. The factors which influenced school counsellors to report cases of sexual abuse were fear that the child was at risk for further abuse, and an ethical/moral obligation to report.

Predictors of failure by medical practitioners to report suspected child abuse in Queensland, Australia

“…9 A number of reasons for failing to report suspected child abuse and neglect have been identified from studies examining a variety of groups of individuals, some mandated and others not, for example, nurses, teachers, community members and medical practitioners. The identified reasons for failure to report have included the lack of defined indicators of abuse and a lack of knowledge as to what might constitute child abuse and neglect; 10,11 a perceived lack of evidence; 6,8,12,13 uncertainty about reporting requirements and procedures in relation to child abuse and neglect; 14,15 and knowledge of the family, 16 and the belief that the abuse was a single incident. 10 Factors that have previously been found to influence medical practitioners' judgement include a reluctance to jeopardise the relationship with the child and the family; 17 negative attitudes and beliefs about the effectiveness of interventions by child protection services; 17 concern about legal ramifications if the allegations were investigated and found to be false, and the time required to attend court if subpoenaed to give evidence.…”

Student teachers' learning about child sexual abuse strategies for primary school: an exploratory study of surface and deep learning

“…Such mandates are seen by many researchers and professionals as one step to address such abuse. However, results from a study of school counsellors (Goldman & Padayachi, 2001, 2002 who constitute one profession that is highly likely to find evidence of child sexual abuse indicated that only a minority of them knew what the law requires them to do. Thus, it appears that more effort needs to be given to addressing child sexual abuse during the training of professionals to ensure they are knowledgeable about child sexual abuse itself, are competent in understanding its gravity and pervasiveness, know how to respond appropriately in their mandatory reporting role, and can use appropriate strategies in their teaching to help children use effective personal responses (see Crenshaw et al, 1995;Baginsky & Hodgkinson, 1999).…”

Heads You Win, Tails I Lose: The Dilemma Mandatory Reporting Poses for Teachers

“…Many incidents of maltreatment do not exhibit corroborating physical signs (Crenshaw et al, 1995;Faller, 1996). Cases where a reasonable belief has been formed may not be reported because teachers believe they require more than a belief or suspicion and feel they lack sufficient visible evidence to report (Bryant & Baldwin, 2010;Goldman & Padayachi, 2002;Tite, 1993;Walsh et al, 2005). Secondly, the severity of the maltreatment can impact reporting behaviour.…”