Counselor legally bound to report rape?

Question

I need to know whether my school counselor is bound by law to report to someone if i told her i have been raped. I don't want anyone to know but i need to talk to someone about it and i trust her - but i don't want to put her in an awkward position.

Do you know where she has to report it to anyone? Parents, authorities, hospital etc?

Answer 1

She will be obligated to report it, but that should not stop you from talking to her.  It is most important that you deal with situation and your feelings.  She will need to tell the authorities, but not your parents (weird isn't it?).  I think that it is your choice whether or not you press charges.  

I urge you to talk to someone.  This is the crisis line - ph 1800 806292 (24 hours) They give immediate support.  You are worth it - you have taken a good step asking this question, now keep moving forward.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I'm also Australian. I'm pretty sure that if you are intent on complete privacy then the school counselor is not the person to tell. I know my school counselor used to tell kids secrets to the teachers thinking that she knew best.

That being said you need to tell someone. I know in my area (sydney) there are several rape hot lines. I don't know what they are but im sure a google will show them up. Talk to them anonymously and they will tell you what you need to do. I would also recommend going to a police station and reporting it. Don't be afraid to speak out. You will need support.

I have to stress please please please talk to someone about it. Do you have a good relationship with your mum?

If you have noone to talk to feel free to email me. [e-mail]

I have no expertise in the area but i am anonymous and you can rant all you want to me.

EDIT: I found the number  http://www.nswrapecrisis.com.au/LatestNe...  all the details are there.

Answer 3

ABSOLUTELY!!

But, you should report it to the Police and should have been taken to the hospital to get a 'rape kit' so that the perpetrator, (who probably left s***n in you, unless he used a condom), would have evidence to have him prosecuted.

NO WOMAN SHOULD BE FORCED TO HAVE s*x AGAINST HER WILL..  Thats what they have laws to protect you for!

If this is someone you know, and dont want to get into trouble, think of the trouble your gonna have, if you end up pregnant and have to report it anyways!!  Better to get help now, instead of facing the family and have them angry at you for NOT doing something about it when it occured.

A minister, or lawyer are the only two that I know of, who are obligated not to go to the Police, but, even THEY would advise you to do it so that the boy doesnt do this to someone else...

Just think, you could be responsible if he is out on the street and rapes again, because you wouldnt say anything...Another innocent victim who didnt have to be one...

Think about it...

May the LORD be with you.

I wish you well....

Jesse

Answer 4

not sure, but i've been there if ya wanna talk.

Answer 5

i'm assuming you're american.  school counselors definitely are obligated.  how old are you?  there are anonymous rape hotlines available if you want to talk-just google ones in your area.  you should tell someone.  if this happened in the past 48 hours, a pretty good rape kit could be made if you haven't showered.

tell someone.

Answer 6

yes they are legally bound to tell somebody, i think you should, and  definitely talk to someone, you should have to deal with that alone..

Answer 7

She is legally bound to tell either the police or Child Protective Services, depending on who raped you. Same applies to if you were beaten.

Answer 8

I'll assume you're Australian, since this is the Australian Yahoo Answers. Yes, they are legally bound. Best not to tell anybody and simply take a crowbar to the skull of the rapist. It's better than a drawn out legal case.