An Ethical Debate: Commentary: A flexible approach—but not too flexible

Turning again to personal experience: what should we do in the case of a child who has been sexually abused by a baby sitter if we are confident that she will be protected in the future but know that the family will face real danger from the extended family of the abuser if the matter is disclosed to the authorities? The General Medical Council is careful in its advice: "The patient's [that is, the child's] interests are paramount and will usually require a doctor to disclose information to an appropriate, responsible person or officer of a statutory agency."