[How Is Your Dream] No Early Detection of Child Abuse Without Whistleblower Protection

Frequent Harm from Identity Exposure After Reporting
Establish Reception, Response Manuals, and Training

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] On November 20th last year, public health doctor A at Sunchang Health Medical Center discovered signs of child abuse in a child he examined and reported it to the police. However, after the police responded to the report, they made remarks to the child's parents that could identify Dr. A, leading to backlash. As a mandatory reporter of child abuse, Dr. A endured about two hours of verbal abuse from the parents and is now suffering from psychological aftereffects.

Those obligated to identify and report signs of child abuse are facing difficulties due to exposure of their identities. To eradicate child abuse, it is crucial to detect abuse in advance. If abuse is not discovered initially, various child abuse countermeasures such as strengthened police investigations, severe punishments, and post-incident education may become ineffective.

The current Child Abuse Punishment Act requires medical personnel, workers at child welfare facilities, paramedics, and others to report any discovered signs of child abuse. It also prohibits the disclosure of the reporter's personal information or any facts that could reveal the reporter's identity. Violations are punishable by up to three years imprisonment, suspension of qualifications for up to five years, or fines up to 30 million won. However, in practice, these provisions are often not properly enforced on the ground.

As incidents exposing the identities of mandatory reporters of child abuse occur, concerns arise that interest in and reporting of child abuse may decrease. The Korean Medical Association, responding to such incidents, issued a statement emphasizing, "This case is a serious mistake that exposes medical personnel to threats of retaliation, discouraging active reporting and potentially increasing the harm to children whose abuse could have been detected early." Professor Lee Geon-su of the Department of Police Science at Baekseok University said, "The police must respond sensitively to cases involving socially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. It is necessary to verify whether there are issues with the reporting and response procedures and whether proper training is being conducted." He added, "Heavier penalties are needed for retaliatory acts against mandatory reporters."