Does a parent have a legal duty to protect his/her child from abuse by another person?
Yes, any parent who knows that another person is abusing his/her child and takes no action to stop the abuse is subject to criminal prosecution. If you know that your spouse or another person is abusing your child, remove the child from the abuser and notify the proper authorities. What if you or your child is in immediate danger? Get away from your abuser and go to a safe place. Call the police, a friend, or a relative for help. Temporary shelters are available in most areas. Check the Yellow Pages under “Social Service Organizations” for domestic abuse groups. You also can contact your county social service agency or call this statewide referral number: (608) 255-0539. If you or your child is injured, go to the hospital emergency room. What happens if the police come? By law, a police officer is required to arrest the person who is the predominant aggressor of the violence if: • the officer believes the person is committing or has committed domestic abuse (the abuse must have occurre
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