A duty that goes beyond the law

If a society is to be judged by the way it treats its weakest and most vulnerable members, we’ve got work to do.

As suburban residents we’re hearing details in the cases of the death of a toddler at a day care center and a newborn being dumped in a trash can, just as news of the Penn State sex abuse scandal stunned the nation. A football coach’s alleged molestation of boys over several years, along with higher-ups’ failure to report the accusations to authorities, has brought child abuse to the forefront and prompted legislatures and universities to re-examine reporting policies.

Illinois and most other states have laws requiring a small subset of society — including teachers, clergy, physicians and social workers — to report abuse of children when they suspect it. But it shouldn’t stop there. Even if they are not legally mandated to do so, other adults must accept the responsibility of helping ensure abuse of any child does not continue.

Abuse goes unreported for a number of reasons, experts say, and examining the causes of people’s reluctance is a first step toward changing behavior. There may be a fear of retribution, or perhaps someone fears becoming embroiled in another’s private matter. Some may be afraid a family member will go to jail. Others may even feel that nothing will be done, so why even bother, says Mark Parr, executive director of the Hoffman Estates office of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Illinois, which aims to educate the public on the importance of reporting.

But none of these excuses justifies silence. Reports can be made anonymously, and the state’s Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act protects anyone who makes a good-faith report from liability. The state’s hotline for reporting is a number that’s easy to remember: (800) 25-ABUSE. Dialing 911 is another option.

Children, who often blame themselves for abuse, aren’t going to speak up. The legal obligation for adults to do so is on a few; the moral obligation is on all. When a perpetrator is not stopped, his list of victims may grow. In addition to the devastating effects on children who are abused, the impacts include long-term health care costs and diminished work capacity that eventually weigh on everyone.

There are no excuses.

Much remains to be sorted out involving the Penn State situation, but regardless of what may be yet to come, the case has focused attention on responsibilities we all share. And, as difficult as it is to hear details, the scandal may have a positive effect on other cases, says Parr, who recalls when a previous high-profile case led to a surge in reporting. A greater awareness can spur action.

“With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more,” fired coach Joe Paterno lamented. He had fulfilled his legal obligation by passing the word up the chain of command. Now he knows he should have followed up. It’s time for us as a society to do more, too. Put the children first.