Mandatory reports often make things worse and not better; half (50%) of survivors who have been reported said it made the situation much worse (Lippy, C., Burk, C., & Hobart, M. (2016). There’s no one I can trust: The impact of mandatory reporting on the help-seeking and well-being of domestic violence survivors. A report of the National LGBTQ DV Capacity Building Learning Center. Seattle, WA.).

Mandatory reporting can DECREASE connection and trust; in one study when told about mandatory reporting 6 in 10 (60%) participants said the warning they received changed what they decided to share( Lippy et al., 2019).

Concerns about mandatory reporting can prevent survivors from seeking the support they need to avoid triggering a report or being involved in the criminal legal system. This includes not seeking or delaying medical care (Durborow et al., 2013; Jordan & Pritchard, 2018) or help from domestic violence agencies (Lippy et al., 2019; Devoe & Smith, 2003). Worse still, concerns and confusion about mandatory reporting can prevent people experiencing harm from even seeking help from loved ones for fear that this person will have to report them to agencies like law enforcement or child protective services (Lippy et al., 2019). This is especially true for young people, half of whom said that their fear of being reported prevented them from asking someone in their life for help (Lippy et al, 2019).  

This harms survivors of gender-based violence.  What people experiencing domestic and sexual violence need are more places where they can be safe, honestly reach out for support and have control over what happens with their personal information.