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Sector divided over merits of mandatory abuse reporting

Recent high-profile child abuse cases have led to a growing support for mandatory reporting of abuse allegations. But some experts believe such moves could have unintended consequences that could harm the child protection system.

Momentum for the introduction of mandatory reporting of child abuse is growing. In July, Prime Minister David Cameron said: "It may well be time to take that kind of step," in the wake of allegations that politicians and institutions including the government, the BBC, NHS and the church were part of an establishment cover-up of decades of sexual abuse.

Since then, both Labour and the Liberal Democrats have come out in favour of such a move. But despite apparent cross-party consensus, questions about how much effect it would actually have, and who it would apply to, are proving contentious and slowing progress.

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