A child’s disclosure of abuse must always be taken seriously and handled properly by mandated reporters, teachers, and all trusted adults. The duty to report abuse is the ethically responsible action to take. Failure to report could result in repeated offenses, more severe abuse, and other victims being exposed to a predator. For more information on the importance of reporting abuse, read the VIRTUS® article “The Consequences of Failing to Report Child Maltreatment: The Impact of All of Us” at lacatholics.org/did-you-know/.