Bill Would Prevent Anonymous Child Abuse Reports in NH

[joni]

TheChamplainChannel.com
Bill Would Prevent Anonymous Child Abuse Reports

POSTED: 9:16 am EST January 27, 2005
UPDATED: 9:21 am EST January 27, 2005

CONCORD, N.H. -- A bill being debated by the New Hampshire House would keep people from reporting child abuse anonymously.

Hudson Republican Rep. Lars Christiansen said it's unconstitutional for someone not to be able to face his or her accuser.

Christiansen said the government's investigation of child abuse is too invasive, and he wants to change the law to require accusers to step forward.

But children's advocates said the measure could push a concerned teacher, neighbor or family member into the shadows.

"It might be someone in your family and you're sad about it or you don't want to get involved. But you really need to tell someone so you can stop the abuse and help the child who is suffering," said family advocate Sarah Copps.

A vote on the bill is scheduled for next month.