Determinants of reporting sexual assault in pregnant adolescents

Alabama teachers of grades 6-9 (n = 424) participated in a cross-sectional survey to explore underlying factors of reporting sexual assault of pregnant adolescents younger than legal age of consent. Survey data included knowledge of mandatory reporting, criteria for statutory rape, reporting responses to three vignettes, and beliefs and attitudes toward reporting. Rogers (1983) Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) guided the study. Results showed that teachers were aware of their role as a mandatory reporter; however, they were unfamiliar about the reporting procedure. Prior training was the most significant predictor of knowledge. Less than half of the teachers reported they had received training in sexual assault reporting. Most respondents requested additional training on sexual assault recognition and legal requirements for reporting. Teachers who knew the legal age of consent for sex were more likely to correctly choose the 2 of 3 reportable vignettes. Of great concern was the tendency to choose reporting to a school site supervisor and not law enforcement. Teachers most likely to have reported suspected assault of youth were those with more than 10 years experience, who had received prior training, and knew that laws protect reporters. Respondents identified student safety as the most important positive PMT reporting factor, while risk of student harm from baby's father was perceived as the most important negative PMT factor. Findings can be used to develop training programs for teachers and inform policy makers on discrepancies between the law and educational practices.