Doctors' confusion concerning their rights and obligations under Victoria's mandatory reporting legislation is likely to limit the success of this law in improving the situation for abused children. A significant number of doctors may still not be reporting many suspected or actual child abuse cases. Their reasons for not reporting may include a lack of training and education in child abuse, lack of education regarding mandatory reporting, preference for working with the family themselves, concerns regarding confidentiality and fear of becoming involved in the legal system. Recommendations that may address some of the factors preventing doctors from reporting include enhanced, updated and extended training for doctors, improved methods for disseminating information on child abuse and reporting procedures, feedback to doctors, exploration of the impact and influence of mandatory reporting legislation on Victorian country doctors and a national approach to research and policymaking with regard to child abuse and reporting. References