Mandatory reporting requirement of Bill defended

Minister of Home Affairs and Information, Wilfred Abrahams, is defending the mandatory reporting requirement in the Child Protection Bill.

He says for a long time the responsibility was solely on the child to report the abuse.

However, according to him, mandatory reporting spreads that burden around to other people, who should have the child’s best interest at heart.

The list includes parents, medical practitioners, teachers and even internet providers and telecommunications technicians.

The legislation allows for the report to be made anonymously.

Anyone found guilty of not complying with this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $20,000, imprisonment of 2 years or both.

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