There are different categories of child abuse allegations, with a range of severity. Less severe offences should be handled at the local level, by the local Child Protection Team. More severe instances of child abuse allegations may be subject to a CPO Review Panel. However, local Child Protection Teams must consult with the CPO, for questions on how to best handle an incident. In all cases, nonetheless, the CPO should be informed of all complaints received by any ISKCON leader or Child Protection Team.
Examples of less severe offences would include:
a) Neglect that doesn‛t result in serious injury requiring hospitalization/medical attention or cause lasting psychological or physical damage.
b) Isolated, non-chronic event of physical punishment that did not result in injury.
c) One-time isolated incidents of psychological abuse that did not result in any long-term trauma to the child.
