title: What are providers' reporting requirements for children who witness domestic violence?
abstract: Each year, 3.3 to 10 million children are exposed to domestic violence/abuse (DV). Providers' reporting obligations for these children are unclear. The child maltreatment statutes available on state's web sites (through August 2003) were reviewed. Only Alaska defines DV in the presence of a child as child abuse within its juvenile code. Within their child abuse definition and reporting statutes, many states include language such as "substantial risk" or "imminent danger" of "physical harm" or "mental injury." Although knowledge of the state law is an important first step, abiding by it may be challenging because most statutes are open to wide interpretation. As a result, providers are encouraged to seek advice from local child maltreatment specialists who understand the local legal interpretations and resources.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, University of Cincinnati, USA.
authors.forename: Therese
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Zink
authors.forename: Darlene
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kamine
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Musk
authors.forename: Morgan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sill
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Field
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Putnam
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D017579:Domestic Violence; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D019221:Mandatory Reporting; D014481:United States