Australian physiotherapists and mandatory notification of child abuse: Legislation and practice

Child abuse is an international phenomenon occurring in all socioeconomic groups. Reports of child abuse continue to increase and many professionals are likely to see abused children and may be the first contact for an abused child. In addition, many health professionals and others are mandated in some Australian states to report suspected child abuse. However, the literature addressing the roles of Australian health professionals in child protection is limited. This paper informs Australian physiotherapists about child protection legislation, types of abuse, suspicion on reasonable grounds, and responding to a situation of suspected child abuse.