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Jan 15, 2008
 Report what you suspect
by: Darlene Barriere - Webmaster

If you're referring to what you believe is the sexual abuse of a child, Wendy, you must report what you suspect. You can't be worried about the psychological impact of an adult in the child's life when you suspect sexual abuse of that child. You can't be worried about that adult being able or unable to handle the publicity surrounding the exposure of a sex offender in a family; sex offenders MUST be exposed if there is any hope of stopping the abuse. You MUST be focused on the safety of the child. It really is that simple. It really is about keeping a child safe from harm. If you don't report what you suspect, you enable the offender. If you don't report what you suspect, you allow the sexual abuse to continue. You've been there, Wendy; you know what I'm saying is right.

I realize that reporting could make things at work difficult between you and the woman who disclosed suspicious information. But think about it this way: What kind of a person gets angry at someone who is trying to protect a child? Do you really want to be associated with that person?

The phone number to report child abuse in Alabama is 334-242-9500. Tell them what you've been told and why it has led you to believe a child is being molested. Then let the case worker do the investigation to determine whether or not the suspected sexual abuse is substantiated. I believe you'll do the right thing, Wendy.

Darlene Barriere
Violence & Abuse Prevention Educator
Author: On My Own Terms, A Memoir

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stories on this site are true. While I cannot guarantee
this, I do try to balance the need for the submitter to be
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