Sex Offender Registry
Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect
Alabama Code § 26-14-3 sets forth a list of professionals required to report suspected child abuse and neglect (including sexual abuse) to authorities. These professionals include medical and mental health care providers, teachers and school officials, peace officers and law enforcement officials, social workers, daycare workers or employees, and members of the clergy.
In addition, any other person who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child is being abused or neglected may make a report.
Reports must be made immediately. Failure to report may result in a misdemeanor.
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Ala. Code § 26-14-1(1)-(3) defines “sexual abuse” as:
- The employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of a child to engage in, or to have a child assist any other person to engage in sexually explicit conduct
- Any simulation of the conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct
- The rape, molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of children
- Incest with children
“Sexual exploitation” includes:
- Allowing, permitting, or encouraging a child to engage in prostitution
- Allowing, permitting, encouraging, or engaging in obscene or pornographic photographing, filming, or depicting a child for commercial purposes
Alabama Civil Statute of Limitations in Child Sex Abuse Cases
Alabama does not have a special statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases. The Alabama Supreme Court has not adopted a discovery rule or any provisions related to repressed memory claims. Alabama Code § 6-2-38 provides that claims must be brought within 2 years of the date of injury.