District Of Columbia § 22-3020.52 - Reporting requirements and privileges.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 22-3020.52 — Reporting requirements and privileges., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-3020.52. Reporting requirements and privileges.
22-3020.52Any person who knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, that a child is a victim of sexual abuse shall immediately report such knowledge or belief to the police. For the purposes of this subchapter, a call to 911, or a report to the Child and Family Services Agency, shall be deemed a report to the police.
Any person who is or has been a victim of sexual abuse is not required to report pursuant to subsection (a) of this section if the identity of the alleged perpetrator matches the identity of the victim’s abuser.
No legally recognized privilege, except for the following, shall apply to this subchapter:
A lawyer or a person employed by a lawyer is not required to report pursuant to subsection (a) of this section if the lawyer or employee is providing representation in a criminal, civil, or delinquency matter, and the basis for the knowledge or belief arises solely in the course of that representation.
The notification requirements of subsection (a) of this subsection do not apply to a priest, clergyman, rabbi, or other duly appointed, licensed, ordained, or consecrated minister of a given religion in the District of Columbia, or a duly accredited practitioner of Christian Science in the District of Columbia, if the basis for the knowledge or belief is the result of a confession or penitential communication made by a penitent directly to the minister if:
The penitent made the confession or penitential communication in confidence;
The confession or penitential communication was made expressly for a spiritual or religious purpose;
The penitent made the confession or penitential communication to the minister in the minister’s professional capacity; and
The confession or penitential communication was made in the course of discipline enjoined by the church or other religious body to which the minister belongs.
A confession or communication made under any other circumstances does not fall under this exemption.
This section should not be construed as altering the special duty to report by persons specified in .
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 22-3020.52
What does D.C. Code § 22-3020.52 cover?
Section 22-3020.52 ("Reporting requirements and privileges.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 22-3020.52?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 22-3020.52" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 22-3020.52 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.