AUSTRALIA
9 News
Jehovah’s Witnesses say it is not their responsibility to report child sex abuse to police unless mandatory reporting legislation is in place.
A Victorian inquiry on Thursday heard that when a Jehovah’s Witness leader hears allegations of abuse they are directed immediately to contact the society’s legal department to check their obligations under state law.
Jehovah’s Witness legal counsel Rachel van Witsen said elders were not expected to know their legal obligations.
“This is done to ensure elders fully comply with any legal requirements that may be applicable in the state in which they reside,” she said.
“In Victoria if there was mandatory reporting the immediate advice would be to report that immediately.”
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