Mandatory Reporting
Mandatory Reporting
Under the Children and Community Services Act 2004 mandatory reporting in Western Australia has been compulsory since 2005. Those mandated to report child sexual abuse include doctors, nurses and midwives, teachers, police officers and boarding supervisors.
It is anticipated that in the last quarter of 2019, this legislation is to be extended to ministers of religion to report child sexual abuse, including disclosures made during confession. This change will be important to all members of the clergy and those working in lay ministry associated with children.
The National Church has already introduced canons, including the Safe Ministry to Children Canon, concerning confession relating to child sexual abuse which was adopted by the Perth Synod in October 2018.
We acknowledge that there is a primary need to respond to allegations of child sexual abuse or sexual misconduct with compassion and empathy. If you have any concerns of things you may have witnessed or heard, please contact:
Safe Ministry
Ph: (08) 9425 7200
Email: screenings@perth.anglican.org
GPO Box W2067, Perth WA 6846
If the abuse is current, please contact:
- Child Abuse Unit on (08) 9428 1500
- WA Police on 131 444 or attend your local Police Station
If immediate intervention is required, please contact:
- Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) (08) 9340 1828 or 1800 199 888
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- The Samaritans on (08) 9381 5725
- Kids Help Line (24hr) on 1800 55 1800
- Crisis Care on (08) 9223 1111 (Perth) or 1800 199 008 (for callers outside Perth)