Orthodox Rabbis Suggest Rabbinical Consultation Before Sexual Abuse Is Reported To Police

The Forward last week reported on the May 15  "Halacha Conference for Professionals" sponsored by Agudath Israel of America held in Brooklyn (NY).  Agudath reflects the views of strictly Orthodox Jews.  Part of the conference focused on a recent ruling by a leading rabbinic authority, Rabbi Shalom Elyashiv, that Jews who have reasonable suspicion that a case of sexual abuse has taken place may go directly to secular law enforcement authorities, notwithstanding the usual requirement of Jewish law that disputes be taken to rabbinic courts. Appearing on a panel at the Brooklyn conference, Rabbi Shlomo Gottesman said that Elyashiv's ruling requires "reasonable suspicion", and that a rabbi with experience in these issues should be consulted as to whether this standard has been met before civil authorities are notified. Another panel member said that even teachers, social workers and other professionals who are mandated by state law to promptly report suspected cases of sexual abuse should first consult a rabbi. However, an Ocean County, New Jersey prosecutor whose jurisdiction includes a large Orthodox Jewish community said that this advice may violate New Jersey law.