Report Abuse of a Minor

Child Abuse, Neglect, or Assault Reporting Requirements

Every member of the university community who knows, suspects, or receives information indicating that a minor has been or is being abused or neglected must report this information to the university. In the case of an emergency or imminent threat, members of the university community must immediately call the George Washington University Police Department (GWPD) at (202) 994-6111 and may also call law enforcement at 911.

Reports may be made to the Office of Ethics, Compliance, and Risk via email at [email protected]. No one making a good-faith report of suspected abuse or neglect of a minor will be retaliated against, in accordance with the Non-Retaliation Policy.

Every member of the university community who has knowledge of sexual abuse of a minor (which includes children), or has reason to believe that sexual abuse of a minor has occurred, must also report such knowledge or belief to the university's Title IX Office. Members of the university community may also report such knowledge or belief to law enforcement by calling 911 or the appropriate social services agency. Under District of Columbia law, every individual who has knowledge of sexual abuse of a child, or has reason to believe that sexual abuse of a child has occurred, must immediately report such knowledge or belief to law enforcement by calling 911 or the District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency. These reports should be made notwithstanding any belief that the child or minor has consented to conduct, because the law may not recognize consent as a defense.

The District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency operates a confidential 24/7 hotline at (202) 671-SAFE or (202) 671-7233. The Virginia Department of Social Services operates a statewide 24/7 Child Protective Services hotline at (800) 552-7096 (for Virginia) or (804) 786-8536 (for outside of Virginia). Contact information for Maryland’s local departments of Child Protective Services is available at the general information number at (800) 332-6347.

Additionally, applicable state and local laws require individuals working in certain designated occupations and professions (“mandatory reporters”) to report abuse or neglect. Mandatory reporters have a legal duty to report known or suspected abuse or neglect of a minor to law enforcement, social services agencies, and/or their institutions. Depending on applicable state and local laws, designated occupations may include certain healthcare providers, child-care providers, teachers, counselors, social workers, and athletic coaches. University employees are responsible for knowing whether they are mandatory reporters and for complying with their legal obligations. If employees are uncertain whether they are mandatory reporters, they may consult with the Office of the Vice President and General Counsel.