The Professional Counselor | Volume 12, Issue 2 157 (63.4%, n = 192), strong evidence that abuse had occurred (57.1%, n = 173), and the school counselor’s relationship with the child (56.1%, n = 173). See Table 3 for factors influencing child abuse reporting. Further, participants indicated reasons why they chose not to report suspected child abuse. Participants specified inadequate evidence as the primary reason for not reporting suspected child abuse (22.4%, n = 68). Another notable influence included concern that DHS would not investigate the reported case (6.9%, n = 21). See Table 2 for factors influencing the decision not to report child abuse. Table 2 Factors Influencing Decision Not to Report Child Abuse (N = 303) Factors Frequency (n) Percentage Lack of evidence 68 22.4 Concern DHS wouldn’t investigate 21 6.9 Afraid of repercussions for child 6 2.0 Fear of parental retaliation 6 2.0 Didn’t want to damage relationship 4 1.3 Lack of support from administration 3 1.0 Reported by someone else 3 1.0 Principal direction not to report 3 1.0 Fear of legal retaliation 1 > 1.0 Didn’t want to break confidentiality 1 > 1.0 Unsure of definition 1 > 1.0 Afraid of repercussions for family 1 > 1.0 Other reasons 70 23.1 Table 3 Factors Influencing Child Abuse Reporting (N = 303) Factors Frequency (n) Percentage Professional obligation 277 91.4 Following school policy 208 68.6 Concern for safety of the child 192 63.4 Strong evidence 173 57.1 School counselor’s relationship with 170 56.1 the child Support of administration 134 44.2 Potential legal repercussion 80 26.4 Effectiveness of CPS 58 19.1 Possible repercussions at work 32 10.6 School relationship with the family 27 8.9 Other reasons 29 9.6
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