This article prepared by family law specialists outlines the implications for the medical profession of the mandatory reporting of child physical and sexual abuse. Although focused on recent Victorian Government legislation, the context is relevant to all doctors in Australia subject to mandatory reporting legislation.

In a court-mandated, child-focused class for divorcing parents, parental mastery of skills taught were evaluated both immediately after the class and 6 months later Parents perceived the classes 10 be realistic and uspful. Skills were effectively learned and were maintained over the evaluation period. Parents reported that they were successful in dramatically lowering exposure of their children...

medical ethics is a realm where four important subjects of philosophy, medicine, theology and law are covered. physicians and philosophers cooperation in this area will have great efficiency in the respective ethical rules formation. in addition to respect the autonomy of the patient, physician's obligation is to ensure that the medical intervention has benefit for the patient and the harm is m...