Ethical Responsibilities in Mandated Reporting of Domestic Violence

Mandated Reporter for Domestic Violence
Name
University
Course
Instructor
Due Date
Mandated Reporter for Domestic Violence
The state of Virginia law requires counselors to report to authorities if they come across a patient with wounds that they know or have a credible reason to believe that may have been a consequence of domestic violence. In addition, the State has established a program that is intended to screen pregnant women as well as new mothers for domestic violence (Durborow et al., 2010). While the law may be less defined compared to those of other states, they exist to protect victims of domestic violence, and failure to report suspected incidents can result in legal penalties. Thus, a legal counselor must review the laws and consider the associated obligations that accompany such laws.
As mandated reporters of domestic abuse, counselors face an ethical dilemma between their duty to report suspected abuse and their responsibility to maintain confidentiality and protect the therapeutic relationship with their clients. This dilemma can be particularly challenging because the reporting of suspected domestic abuse can have significant legal and social consequences for the victim, their family, and the abuser. On the one hand, counselors have a legal and ethical obligation to report suspected domestic abuse to protect the victim and prevent further harm. Failure to report can result in legal penalties and put the victim at risk of continued abuse. Additionally, as professionals in the helping field, counselors have a responsibility to act in the best interests of their clients and to prioritize their safety and well-being. On the other hand, counselors must also consider the potential negative consequences of reporting, including the loss of trust and the impact on the therapeutic relationship. Clients may be hesitant to disclose information about domestic abuse if they fear it will be reported, and this can hinder the counseling process. Reporting can also result in legal action, which can have an impact on the client’s life, relationships, and mental health.
Notably, the ...