Sex Offender Registry
Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect
Alaska Stat. §§ 47.17.020; 47.17.023 set forth a list of professionals required to report suspected child abuse and neglect (including sexual abuse) to authorities. The list includes medical care providers, teachers and school administrators, child care providers, peace officers, and film and photo processors.
In addition, mandated reporters may report cases that come to their attention in their nonoccupational capacities. Any other person who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been harmed may also report.
Reports must be made within 24 hours. Failure to report may result in a misdemeanor.
Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Alaska Stat. § 47.17.290 provides that “child abuse or neglect” includes sexual abuse or sexual exploitation. “Sexual exploitation” includes the following conduct by a person responsible for the child’s welfare:
- Allowing, permitting, or encouraging a child to engage in prostitution
- Allowing, permitting, or encouraging a child to engage in actual or simulated activities of a sexual nature that are prohibited by criminal statute
Alaska Civil Statute of Limitations in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
According to Alaska Stat. § 09.10.065, a person may bring an action at any time for felony sexual abuse of a minor. Alaska has a delayed discovery or “delayed realization” statute (Alaska Stat. § 09.10.140) for other sexual abuse claims, which generally must be brought within three years of the victim reaching the age of majority. Discovery occurs (thus “tolling” the three-year statute of limitations) when “the plaintiff discovered or through use of reasonable diligence should have discovered that the act caused the injury or condition.”