Mandatory Reporting

I am not specifically familiar with STATE law. In some states certain professionals (i.e., doctors, workers, teachers) are required by law to report child abuse, however this may not apply in STATE and may not apply to domestic violence that happens against adults. According to the Victim Rights Law Center, STATE law [FILL IN HERE WHETHER IT DOES OR DOES NOT require “health care providers” to report non-accidental injuries to the police.- LOOK AT WEBSITE (GIVEN NEXT) TO SEE]. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information, but you can access their website here: http://4e5ae7d17e.nxcli.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Mandatory-Reporting-of-Non-Accidental-Injury-Statutes-by-State.pdf You may want to talk to a lawyer in STATE to see if you may be required to report any domestic violence you have witnessed. Contact information for lawyers in STATE is available here: LINK

If the victim or the abuser is in the military, certain military personnel are also mandatory reporters required to report domestic violence. If you think this might apply to the situation, more information is available here: http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=10864&state_code=US

If you are curious about whether you are required to report domestic violence you’ve witnessed involving a coworker or employee, you may wish to contact a human resources representative or a professional organization in your line of work. Although it may be possible for you to report the abuse to the police, another option may be to speak with your employee before reporting the abuse to the authorities. If she is unwilling to testify, it might be difficult for the authorities to build a case against her abuser. Also, her abuser might not be kept in jail for very long if he is picked up by the police, and she may be in danger once he is released. It may help her to know if you are going to report the abuse to the police, so that she can make plans for her safety. Also, you may decide after talking to her that reporting it to the police against her wishes may put her in more danger than she may be in now, especially if the abuser believes that she is telling people about the abuse.

Regardless of your relationship to this person being abused, you both may feel more comfortable if you approach her to see if she is willing to report the abuse to the authorities herself and/or take other steps to ensure her own safety instead of reporting it without her knowledge. This approach may make her feel safer, and she may be more willing to come to you at a later date if she decides she’s not ready to leave just yet. It might also make her feel more in control of the situation. However, the ultimate decision to do what you think is best in this situation is up to you.

If someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are many things you can consider to help offer support and assistance to your friend. Information about domestic violence, and suggestions on how to help others with emotional support and safety planning is available on our website: http://www.womenslaw.org/simple.php?sitemap_id=120. You may also want to show her our information on staying safe, which is available here: http://www.womenslaw.org/laws_state_type.php?id=13416&state_code=PG.