American Orthodox Rabbis Say: Report!

I am so glad to read this report about a list of American Haredi rabbis who have publicly signed on to a statement that halacha requires reporting to the secular authorities in cases where there is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse. It seems that authoritative opinions are shifting – or at least becoming more vocal – such that the idea of “handling it internally” is increasingly being recognized as a futile and improper approach.

If you are aware of a potential situation of child sexual abuse, please, don’t keep it quiet.  Consult with your rabbi, consult with professionals (including myself), by all means – but report it to the officials as well.  For our children’s sake.

#childsexualabuse #community #sexualabuse