Bill Requires That Witnesses Report Child Abuse

MISSOURI
Webster-Kirkwood Times

January 13, 2012

Amidst critical school funding issues and a state budget shortfall that must be addressed, state Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, also has child sexual abuse prevention on his radar for the 2012 legislative session.

“As a father, I reacted to the Penn State sex abuse scandal, which is still unfolding, as I am sure many other fathers have. My reaction: How could this happen? How could anyone witness actual sex abuse of children and not report it to legal authorities?

“As a legislator, I think my natural reaction is: How can we address this in our state? What is on the books now? What kind of input do we need to put together a law on this to make sure children are protected and that criminal behavior victimizing them gets reported?” said Schmitt.

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