Is it ethical for a psychologist to withhold reporting a case of known child abuse?

The ethical obligation of psychologists to report cases of known child abuse is grounded in both legal requirements and professional guidelines. When a psychologist is aware of child abuse, they have a mandatory duty to report it to the appropriate authorities to protect the welfare and safety of the child. This responsibility is reflected in laws across many jurisdictions, which are designed to prevent further harm to vulnerable individuals.

Withholding reporting could result in ongoing abuse or neglect of the child, potentially causing severe psychological and physical harm. Professional ethical standards, such as those outlined in the American Psychological Association's Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct, emphasize the importance of acting in the best interest of clients, especially when it involves protecting those who are unable to safeguard themselves.

While there may be specific circumstances or jurisdictional nuances that can influence how psychologists approach reporting (such as confidentiality concerns or eligibility for law enforcement discretion), the fundamental principle remains that knowing about child abuse requires action. Therefore, it is unethical for a psychologist to withhold reporting known child abuse.