Sir, - The National Network of Rape Crisis Centres is delighted with the assurance of immunity from prosecution for people wishing, in good faith, to report child sexual abuse where the abuse has not been validated.
However, we are anxious to see safeguards in place for a mother, wife/partner, sibling, who may be living in the same house as the accused, should they take the brave step to report known or suspected abuse. Physical safety, rather than prosecution, would be an issue here.
The NNRCC, in its submission urging extreme caution on mandatory reporting, made the point that many other factors, such as necessary legal changes and well-resourced services, need to be in place if mandatory reporting is to be legislated for; otherwise it will create more problems than it will solve.
The NNRCC would like also to be sure that the experience of other countries is thoroughly researched before any move to mandatory reporting.
In the US, where mandatory reporting has been in operation since the 1960s, there has been extensive criticism of certain aspects of the system, which is now being revised. The main criticisms are:
The child protection system has been inundated by the increase in cases: unsubstantiated reported cases rose from 35 per cent to 65 per cent from 1979 to 1992.
A disproportionate share of resources is spent on investigation.
There are no follow-up services for validated cases of child abuse.
There is insufficient funding for training mandated workers.
In the Netherlands, on the other hand, a voluntary system of reporting child abuse and incest operates, based on the "Confidential Doctors' Bureau". Under this system up to 90 per cent of incest offenders confess and co-operate with a resolution in the best interest of the child.
In view of the short-sighted demands from some organisations for the immediate implementation of mandatory reporting, the regional rape crisis centres would like to be assured that adult survivors of past sexual abuse can continue to avail of their services, assured of continued confidentiality. - Yours, etc.,
Dorothy Morrissey,
on behalf of the National Network of Rape Crisis Centres, Mallow Street, Limerick.