Mandatory reporting of sexual abuse 'silenced survivors', psychologists warn

Psychologists described mandatory reporting as invoking anger, depression, stress, worry, sadness, and frustration.

Psychologists believe the system of mandatory reporting of sexual abuse "silenced survivors", who hold back from engaging in therapy amid "harmful unintended consequences" for both client and clinician.

The first study into the experiences of psychologists of the mandatory reporting (MR) system also found that "while participants believed that MR was introduced with well-meaning and good intentions, they noted how they felt that it has paradoxically put people at increased risk".