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Abstract: 

Few topics garner a more visceral reaction in the domestic violence and sexual assault movements than the issue of medical mandated reporting by medical professionals. Advocates and professionals who support reporting argue that it provides for early intervention before serious injury or death even if the victim is too injured or terrified to make a report. Those who oppose mandated reporting argue that some victims do not want doctors and nurses to report their abusers and therefore may not seek needed medical attention. This article assesses the arguments for and against mandated reporting of domestic violence and concludes that the benefits substantially outweigh the drawbacks, citing the rise in domestic violence assaults in states like Kentucky that have repealed or rolled back mandated reporting.

Keywords: Medical Mandated Reporting; Suspicious Injury Reporting Law; California Repeal Efforts

Affiliations:  1: Alliance for HOPE International; 2: Alliance for HOPE International; 3: Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center.