[Exclusive] 40% of Child Abuse Victims Report Directly... Mandated Reporter System Needs Reform [Child Abuse SOS] ④

Hesitation to Report Due to Fear of Retaliation
Mandatory Reporting Required of Ordinary Citizens Abroad

In the first quarter of this year, 4 out of 10 children who were victims of child abuse reported the abuse to the police themselves. Although there are mandated reporters for child abuse under current law, it is common for people to hesitate to report due to concerns about being identified or the possibility of retaliation. As a result, there are calls for both institutional improvements and increased public awareness to enable the early detection of child abuse.

According to data obtained by Asia Economy on May 30 through a request for information disclosure, the "Status of Mandated and Non-Mandated Child Abuse Reporters Over the Past Five Years" shows that from January to March this year, there were 809 reports (10.4%) made by mandated reporters such as school staff, medical professionals, and social welfare officials, while non-mandated reporters accounted for 6,955 cases (89.6%). Among the non-mandated reporters, 3,035 cases (39.1%) were reported directly by the victimized children themselves. Reports made by family members of the victims amounted to 2,773 cases (35.7%), and other cases totaled 1,147 (14.8%).

Over the past five years, reports from non-mandated reporters have surged, rising from 18,102 cases in 2020 to 29,011 cases in 2024. Direct reports by victimized children also increased from 7,200 cases in 2020 to 12,531 cases in 2024. Reports by mandated reporters rose sharply from 3,342 cases in 2020 to 6,962 in 2021, but then decreased to 5,493 cases in 2024.

Under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment of Child Abuse Crimes, anyone who becomes aware of or suspects child abuse may report it to administrative or investigative agencies. Mandated reporters are required to report immediately if they become aware of or even suspect child abuse while performing their duties. When a report is made via 112 (police) or the local government emergency hotline (child abuse response officer), an on-site response and investigation are conducted. If a mandated reporter fails to report without justifiable reason, a fine of up to 10 million won may be imposed.

There are protective measures in place for reporters, such as allowing omission of personal information when preparing statements or documents. Court witness examinations are also conducted privately. Nevertheless, since the specific occupations of mandated reporters are defined by law, it is in fact difficult to guarantee complete protection.

In other countries, reporting child abuse is mandatory for the general public. In the United States, a universal mandatory reporting system for the prevention of child abuse is in place. Not only teachers, medical staff, and police officers, but also ordinary citizens are required to report suspected cases of child abuse.

Failure to report can result in criminal penalties, which plays an important role in facilitating the early detection of child abuse cases. The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA), enacted in 1974, stipulates that state governments must establish a child abuse reporting system in order to receive federal funding for child protection.

In Australia, all states require mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse. As in the United States, this obligation also applies to ordinary citizens, and a system is in place for the prompt protection of victimized children. When a report of child abuse is received in Australia, both the police and child protection agencies are dispatched to the scene to take legal action against the perpetrator. Continuous monitoring of high-risk families reduces the likelihood of repeated abuse and ensures the safety of the victimized children.

Jung Sunyoung, professor of social welfare at Incheon National University, said, "The inconvenience of the police investigation process and changes in relationships with the abuser that mandated reporters experience after reporting child abuse can be factors that make them hesitate to report," adding, "Continuous education is needed so that people can report without hesitation."

※ With the revision of the Civil Act, even parents no longer have the right to physically discipline children. Anyone who inflicts physical, emotional, or sexual abuse on a child can be punished by up to 10 years in prison. If you suspect child abuse, report it to 112. If you are experiencing difficulties with child care or support, call 129 (Health and Welfare Counseling Center) for assistance.