No! You cannot remain silent. It is not only your duty to Srila Prabhupada but also your responsibility under the secular legal system to bring child abuse/neglect to the attention of the relevant authorities.

The Child Protection Team is trained in dealing with these matters. Confidentiality is a key component.

All parties involved shall treat the proceedings and any related information as confidential, unless otherwise required by law, or where doing so could jeopardize the safety of children.

The CPO will make all reasonable efforts to respect any request for anonymity by confirmed victims.

Mandatory Reporters: Almost every legal system mandates individuals who are legally required to report allegations and suspicions of abuse. Failure to report can result in legal action. Mandatory reporters may include (see local law):

(1) physicians licensed to practice medicine, interns, residents, hospital and medical personnel, dentists, podiatrists, registered professional nurses or licensed practical nurses;

(2) school teachers, school administrators, school guidance counselors, visiting teachers, school social workers, or school psychologists;

(3) licensed psychologists, persons participating in internships to obtain licensing as psychologists, professional counselors, social workers, or marriage and family therapists, and child-counseling personnel;

(4) child welfare agency personnel (including any child-caring institution, child-placing agency, maternity home, family day-care home, group day-care home, and day-care center), child service organization personnel;

(5) law enforcement personnel;

(6) persons who process or produce visual or printed matter;

(7) some jurisdictions include members of the clergy; and

(8) a few US States and some countries include anyone with knowledge of abuse to be a “Mandatory Reporter.”