RICHMOND (VIRGINIA)
WCVE News
July 11, 2019
Faith leaders in Virginia are now required to report suspected child abuse. Legislation that went into effect July 1 adds ministers, priests, rabbis, and imams to the list of mandated reporters. But victim advocates say they want the law to go further.
Becky Ianni with the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests said she hopes the law will increase reporting of child abuse, but is concerned about what she identifies as a loophole.
Clergy are exempt from reporting abuse if the religious organization requires the conversation to be confidential, like during confession.
“I’m afraid that that loophole will keep some cases from being reported,” Clergy said.
Jeff Caruso, Executive Director of the Virginia Catholic Conference, defended the importance of this exemption.
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