If someone was phisically/emotionally abused as a child by his/her parents, is a therapist required to report it if the victim is now 21?

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If someone was phisically/emotionally abused as a child by his/her parents, is a therapist required to report it if the victim is now 21?

The victim was 21 when they ent to see a psychiatrist. Any abuse occurred many years prior. Is the psychiatrist legally obligated to report anything or can the patient keep it from being reported?

Asked on July 23, 2012 under Criminal Law, Maryland

Answers:

FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

The person who was physically abused as a minor that went to see a therapist where the abuse was discussed does not mandate that the therapist report the abuse to law enforcement for the simple fact that the abused person is now an adult.

The duty to report abuse by a therapist to law enforcement applies at the time the therapist sees the victim IF the victim is a minor at the time of reporting.


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