The Mandatory Reporting Code for Domestic Violence and Child Abuse has been in force since 2013. This law means that all organizations that work with children and adults must have a reporting code and must enable employees to work with it. The purpose of the reporting code is to help professionals act sooner and better if they suspect that a family member is being abused, neglected or sexually abused at home.

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If I suspect that there is domestic violence and/or child abuse in the Handa Psychology practice, I will go through the following five steps via the reporting code assessment framework, provided by Veilig Thuis, the Dutch association that offers advice and support on matters of domestic violence and child abuse:

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STEP 1: Map signals
Identify signals that confirm or refute your concern. Record signals and next steps objectively and factually in the file. If necessary, carry out the child check.

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STEP 2: Consult with an expert colleague or Veilig Thuis
Consult with an expert colleague to identify signals. If necessary, consult Veilig Thuis or a forensic doctor. In case of honour-related violence, forced marriage or female circumcision, contact Veilig Thuis immediately.

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STEP 3: Talk to parents or guardians
Discuss your concerns with the child's parents/guardians as soon as possible. This can only be waived if your safety or that of the child could be endangered by a conversation.

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STEP 4: Weigh the violence
Make an assessment of the nature and severity of the situation based on signals, consultation with a colleague and the parent meeting. If in doubt, ask Veilig Thuis for advice. If there is a real risk of damage: report it.

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STEP 5: Decide: Is reporting necessary? Is assistance necessary?
If you can protect the child sufficiently, you offer or organize the necessary help. If the situation is acute or structurally unsafe, report it to Veilig Thuis and decide together what help you can organize yourself.