Mandatory reporters are people required by law to report suspected abuse. Most states determine who is a mandatory reporter based on their profession, while some states have designated every person responsible for reporting abuse.
Four types of abuse, neglect, or cruelty require reporting.
What Are The 4 Types of Mandatory Reporters?
Mandatory reporters are required to report these types of abuse:
- Child abuse and neglect
- Elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect
- Domestic violence
- Animal cruelty
Learn more about these types of mandatory reporters.
Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect
An estimated 600,000 children are victims of abuse in the United States each year.
Professionals who come into contact with children are in a unique position to recognize the signs of abuse and are often designated as mandatory reporters.
States often name teachers, daycare providers, and school employees who interact with children daily as reporters.
Nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals are also commonly designated reporters.
If you work or volunteer in education, medicine, law enforcement, mental health or social work, childcare, in a youth-serving business or organization, as an athletic coach, at a religious organization, or any of the many professions where you come into contact with children, you might be mandated to report child abuse or neglect in your state.
Use this state-by-state database to find out if you are a mandatory reporter.
Mandatory Reporters of Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse
The rates of elder and dependent adult abuse and neglect are even higher than rates of child abuse and neglect. Studies suggest that as many as one in five elderly adults suffer from some form of abuse or neglect.
Mandatory reporters of elderly or dependent adult abuse are commonly those professionals with jobs that put them in a position to recognize signs of abuse.
Law enforcement, medical professionals, mental health and social workers, clergy, and other professionals who work with elderly or dependent adults are commonly required to report suspected abuse or neglect.
Professionals working in elder or dependent adult care facilities are also commonly designated reporters.
Use this state-by-state database for resources on elder abuse reporting.
Mandatory Reporters of Domestic Violence
It’s estimated that 41% of women and 26% of men will experience intimate partner violence, also known as domestic violence, in their lifetime.
Data from U.S. crime reports suggest that about one in five homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner; over half of female homicide victims are killed by a current or former male intimate partner.
Many states designate the professionals who are likely to come into contact with a victim of domestic violence as reporters.
This can include medical professionals, law enforcement, mental health and social workers, clergy, and others.
Are you required to report domestic violence? Check this state-by-state database to find out.
Mandatory Reporters of Animal Cruelty
An estimated 10 million animals die each year from abuse or cruelty each year in the United States.
Animal abuse is not an isolated occurrence. Research has demonstrated the link between violence against animals and violence against humans. Humans and animals can both be victims of abuse or neglect by an offender, and companion animals are often used as a tool to coerce and control human victims. 75% of abuse victims who have companion animals report a history of their companion animal being threatened or intentionally harmed by their intimate partner.
Many states mandate animal abuse or cruelty reports from veterinarians and animal welfare professionals. However, increasing states mandate or permit cross-reporting from mandated reporters who suspect abuse of humans and animals.
Find out if you are required to report animal cruelty using this state-by-state database.
Mandatory Abuse Reporting
If you are required to report abuse, neglect, and cruelty, you will need to know what is considered abuse. You should be able to recognize the signs of abuse, neglect, and cruelty.
And you should know the standards for making a report, including:
- How to make a report
- Where to make a report
- When the report should be made made
- What actions follow a report
Get profession-specific training for mandatory reporters.
Mandatory reporters have a legal responsibility to protect the most vulnerable from abuse, neglect, and cruelty. When you are required to report abuse, your role as a reporter can help get a person or an animal the help they need.
