Title: Savannah's story: negotiating the challenge of reporting suspected child abuse

Authors: Jessica Garrett-Staib; Kevin Badgett

Addresses: Educational Leadership, University of Texas of the Permian Basin, 4901 E. University, Odessa, TX 79762, USA ' Educational Leadership, University of Texas of the Permian Basin, 4901 E. University, Odessa, TX 79762, USA

Abstract: Routine, school decision making is not typically controversial; however, there are decisions that have lasting impact for the principal and the student(s). The issue of reporting a suspected case of child sexual abuse is one of those issues. The thought of family members sexually abusing a child is traumatising and, therefore, difficult to accept as a reality. Consequently, the natural instinct is to dismiss gut feelings and search for logical reasons to negate the evidence presented when considering such an incident. It is no wonder educators second-guess themselves when deciding whether or not to report.

Keywords: sexual abuse; abuse reporting; reporting requirements; suspected child abuse; school decision making.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2013.060641

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2013 Vol.4 No.4, pp.346 - 353

Received: 10 Dec 2013
Accepted: 09 Jan 2014
Published online: 28 Jun 2014 *

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