FAQs

Most adults are considered mandated reporters. If the adult is a teacher, school administrator or staff, therapist, doctor, nurse, coach, faith leader, or any profession that works with youth under the age of 18, they are considered a mandated reporter.

A mandated reporter is most any adult that works with or has contact with youth under the age of 18. By being a mandated reporter, the adult is required to report to law enforcement or to child welfare services if they know of a child being abused, neglected, or in danger of harming themselves or someone else. It is required by law that the adult makes a report within 24 hours of learning that a child is in danger.

Mandated reporting laws are in place because children or youth are considered a protected class of society. This means that society wants to make sure that children are not being harmed or hurt from others (whether by adults or by peers). By having mandated reporting laws in place, the hope is that more cases will be reported and that youth will be taken out of a violent situation and receive appropriate services for healing.

Most adults who work with youth are going to be mandated reporters. And therefore, they are required to report by law. Unfortunately, the youth does not really have a choice because the adult is required to report. However, the youth do have agency to participate or not participate in any investigation after a report is made.

While you want your friend to receive help, it is important to remember that their story is not your story. We each have a ownership over our own stories and experiences and they shouldn't be shared outside of our consent. So, you should not tell anyone if they ask you not to. However, you can encourage your friend to share with an adult that they trust what has happened and let your friend know that you will be there to support them.

One way to remain anonymous and talk to someone about your situation is to call a hotline. There are numerous crisis hotlines listed on this website. Most hotlines will allow you to talk to someone, share your feelings and ask your questions without sharing identifying information. They can give referrals, answer questions, validate your feelings and experiences to help you feel less alone. The crisis lines are 24/7 support so you can call at any time. Remember that crisis lines are there for you when you need to talk to someone right away to help figure some things out. And, we recommend seeing a mental health professional eventually to give you long term support.

Calling a hotline can feel intimidating at first. But hotlines are a great resource for you to be able to talk to someone when you really need to. When you first call, an answering service may ask for your first name and the state or county you are calling from. This is not enough identifying information to make a report. Then, you'll be transferred to a hotline advocate. Once talking with an advocate, you can talk about how you are feeling, ask some questions, and receive support.

Want to know if your relationship is healthy? Take the quiz through loveisrespect.org. Click HERE for the quiz.

Title IX also applies to high schools - In practice, Title IX makes discrimination based on gender (including sexual harassment and sexual assault) illegal at schools and during school activities.

If the assault or harassment occurred at school or was committed off-campus by someone involved with the school, you can make a Title IX complaint to your school. The school can take immediate action to help you feel safer while they investigate the report. Learn more from Know Your IX here.

You have the right to:

• • Feel safe at school after sexual assault or sexual harassment

  • Be told about your school’s policies on sexual assault and harassment

  • Talk to anyone you want about sexual assault or sexual harassment

  • Report the sexual assault or harassment to a school official

  • Report it without telling the assailant or harasser in advance

  • Warn the assailant that you are considering filing a Title IX complaint

  • Have your Title IX complaint taken seriously and investigated by your school

  • If your school ignores or blames you, you have the right to seek legal action

  • Participate in a Title IX investigation or be a witness for someone else

  • To make a police report or seek other civil remedies

  • To do absolutely nothing

Read more from Equal Rights here.