HARRY HUGHES, Governor

2019

(J) SEXUAL ABUSE.

(1)  "SEXUAL ABUSE" MEANS ANY ACT THAT INVOLVES SEXUAL
MOLESTATION OR EXPLOITATION OF A CHILD BY A PARENT OR OTHER
PERSON WHO HAS PERMANENT OR TEMPORARY CARE OR CUSTODY OR
RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUPERVISION OF A CHILD.

(2)  "SEXUAL ABUSE" INCLUDES:

(I)  INCEST, RAPE, OR SEXUAL OFFENSE IN ANY
DEGREE;

(II)  SODOMY; AND

(III)  UNNATURAL OR PERVERTED SEXUAL PRACTICES.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This subsection is new language derived
without substantive change from former Article 27, §
35A(b)8.

In paragraph (1) of this subsection, the words
"adoptive parent", which formerly followed "parent",
are deleted as unnecessary.

Also in paragraph (1) of this subsection, "child" is
substituted for the former words "minor child" in
light of the definition of "child" in subsection (c)
of this section.

Defined terms: "Child" § 5-901
"Includes" § 1-101

5-902. LEGISLATIVE POLICY.

THE PURPOSE OF THIS SUBTITLE IS TO PROTECT CHILDREN WHO HAVE
BEEN THE SUBJECT OF ABUSE BY:

(1)  MANDATING THE REPORTING OF ANY SUSPECTED ABUSE;

(2)  GIVING IMMUNITY TO ANY INDIVIDUAL WHO REPORTS, IN
GOOD FAITH, A SUSPECTED INCIDENT OF ABUSE;

(3)  REQUIRING PROMPT INVESTIGATION OF EACH REPORTED
SUSPECTED INCIDENT OF ABUSE; AND

(4)  CAUSING IMMEDIATE, COOPERATIVE EFFORTS BY THE
RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES ON BEHALF OF CHILDREN WHO HAVE BEEN THE
SUBJECT OF ABUSE.

REVISOR'S NOTE: This section is new language derived
without substantive change from the first sentence of
former Article 27, § 35A.