Mandatory reporting laws for religious institutions come into effect

Mandatory reporting laws for religious institutions come into effect

Thursday, February 20th, 2020

Laws requiring clergy to report child abuse to authorities — even if it’s heard in the confession box — will come into effect on Monday, ending the “special treatment” for Victoria’s religious institutions.

The seal has now been lifted for the suspected sexual abuse of children, with spiritual and religious leaders required to report the abuse or face up to three years in prison.

“From [Monday], our promise to put the safety of children ahead of the secrecy of the confession is in full effect and there is no excuse for people who fail to report abuse,” said Attorney-General Jill Hennessy. Read more

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News category: News Shorts, World.

Tags: Child abuse reporting, Confessional seal

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