Child Abuse: Most people would not report abuse

The Age

MOST Australians would turn a blind eye if confronted with clear signs that a child was being physically or sexually abused or neglected, a survey has revealed.

The National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (NAPCAN) surveyed 22,000 Australians and discovered that less than half the respondents would contact child protection authorities or the police if they knew a child was being abused. Only one-third of respondents would call police if a child disclosed sexual abuse.

In cases of neglect, all but 13 per cent said they would mind their own business. [...]