How would you approach the following situation: You are a youth support worker supporting a 18 year old young man who is on a community based order for drug related crime. Four months into the supporting relationship, the young man discloses sexual abuse. He says his Uncle abused him five years ago when he was 13 years old, and that the abuse continued for six months. It only stopped when his Uncle moved out of the family home. His uncle is now living interstate. The young man tells you that you are the only person he has told, that he does not want his parents to know about it. The young man clearly states that he does not want you to make a report to the police. His Uncle is his mother's brother and he doesn't want to get his Uncle into trouble - his mother wouldn't cope. He says he will never trust you again if you tell anyone.

1. What are your legal and ethical obligations?

2. What are the risks and to who?

3. What action do you take?

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

Responding to a Disclosure of Sexual Abuse This is a highly sensitive and complex situation requiring careful and ethical consideration Heres how you ... View the full answer