Ethical Dilemmas in Child Abuse: Reflections Based on a Qualitative Study

The child abuse topic, by its nature, faces professionals with multiple ethical dilemmas. In this paper, the ethical dilemma analysed is the action taken by psychologists in relation to the report of child abuse cases to the legal system. Opinions of thirty psychologists from Temuco are considered with regards to the aspects influencing their decisions. Results are contrasted with theoretical and empirical data. Finally, some criteria are presented, that should be present in a fundament decision.