Commentary

Battle between Cops and docs

ON MONDAY, THE STAR published a story about doctors not reporting sex crimes against children.

The story goes on to tell possible reasons why the doctors may not be reporting the offences. From the outside looking in, we could say the doctors are only making the police's work more difficult. We may also argue that the police are making a mountain out of a mole hill.

But to be fair, both the police and the doctors have valid arguments. For one, the police are concerned about the situation since they have been mandated by the public to enforce the law which says that sexual offences against minors must be reported.

And, by attempting to enforce the law, the police are also seeking to protect the victims from the possibility of further abuse.

On the other hand, the doctors are concerned about the potential trauma the victims will go through by enduring a long court case. But, what must be said to both parties is that some agreement must be reached to deal with what has the potential to be a big problem. Both the police and doctors are an essential part of our society and there is always a need for them to work together. Hence, the sooner both parties come to an agreement, the better it is for all of us.