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Knowledge of child abuse

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  • 16-03-2010 1:33pm
    #1
    MrPudding
    Registered Users Posts: 9,788 ✭✭✭


    Just a quick general question. Can any of you legal types clarify if you commit an offence by not reporting child abuse that you are aware of to the relevant authorities?

    MrP


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    #2
    Cunsiderthis
    Closed Accounts Posts: 471 ✭✭Cunsiderthis


    What is the nature of the abuse and what is your evidence?


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    #3
    MrPudding
    Registered Users Posts: 9,788 ✭✭✭MrPudding


    Cunsiderthis wrote: »
    What is the nature of the abuse and what is your evidence?
    This is a theoretical question, and I am merely asking for clarification of whether or not there is an offence related to not reporting known abuse.

    MrP


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    #4
    pirelli
    Registered Users Posts: 2,876 ✭✭✭pirelli


    This subject was in the news yesterday. It concerned a cardinal that was present at a canonical proceeding where a cover of child abuse ocoured. It stated that the cardinal maintains he did not break the law.

    I am not sure there is a law that punishes people that cover up child sexual abuse even today. They are merely expect institutions to implement guidelines rules and policies to be prepared if a child does report child abuse.


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    #5
    MagicSean
    Closed Accounts Posts: 9,897 ✭✭✭MagicSean


    Ireland doesnt have a good samaritan law so you are not obliged to report something or help someone in need. Covering something up is another story though. If you know a child is being abused you are not committing an offence by not reporting it. Although if you are responsable for caring for the child and allow the abuse to continue you could find yourself with a charge for child endangerment. And a long stint in the depths of whatever hell you believe in. Theoretically of course.


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    #6
    dermot_sheehan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,062 ✭✭✭dermot_sheehan


    Ireland has since 1998 protection for those who report.
    http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1998/en/act/pub/0049/index.html


    There was no obligation to report since 1997 when the common law distinction of felony and misdemeanour was abolished.

    Prior to 1997, knowing that a felony was taking place and not reporting it to a police officer or magistrate (district court judge) made a person guilty of the offence of misprisoning a felony.

    Whether the abuse itself constituted a felony depended on the offence. Buggery and gross indecency were misdemeanours, rape of women or girls were felonys.


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    #7
    TJM
    Registered Users Posts: 548 ✭✭✭TJM


    We've had a similar discussion recently:

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055752674


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