Reporting obligation

One of the most prominent issues among educators and care providers is the duty to report — especially in light of the tension between the obligation to report and the cultural and communal contexts in which it is often received with resistance. This is especially true in more insular communities such as the ultra-Orthodox, the Arab community, kibbutzim, and others. Rabbi Asher Melamed, Founder & CEO of The Israeli Protection Center, served for 22 years as a senior officer in the Israel Police. In that capacity as a “rabbinical officer,” he focused on improving access to police services and ensuring legal rights for the ultra-Orthodox community.

Over the years, he accumulated extensive experience and knowledge in the field of sexual abuse, while simultaneously navigating the complexities in sensitive and mandatory reporting cases.

Mandatory Reporting

During this time, Rabbi Melamed identified a systemic lack of awareness about the need to establish a “termination committee,” which evaluates whether to close cases based on the input of professionals from all relevant fields. These professionals assess and decide whether a case justifies being dismissed without charges or whether it warrants proceeding with the legal process — particularly when there is therapeutic concern about further harm. As the founder and director of the Israeli Center for the Prevention of Sexual Assault, Rabbi Melamed sees this as a critical matter of law and ethics.

As the founder and director The Israeli Protection Center, Rabbi Melamed saw it as both an obligation and a right to write a guide called “Parents and Educators” — a resource needed in all contexts related to mandatory reporting. This important guide was written and edited by Attorney Reut Abiri, head of the legal/social assistance division, who has 17 years of experience in both legal practice and clinical practice, with specialization in trauma-informed care and support within the center.

The writing was completed after extensive investment of time, legal review, and examination of case law. It includes consultation with experts and was crafted to offer accessible, accurate information — clearly aligned with the Mandatory Reporting Law.

We invite you to use this guide and to share it with anyone who may benefit. The Israeli Protection Center is happy to assist, advise, and support educators and care professionals on all matters related to mandatory reporting.

Talk to us: merkaz@muganut.co.il

Watch a lecture by Attorney Reut Aviri, Head of Criminal/Legal Division for Victims,

From a seminar by the Israeli Center for Safety on the subject of reporting obligations, which took place on 5.3.24