What is the appropriate response when a minor reveals they were coerced into a sexual act with an adult?

When a minor reveals that they were coerced into a sexual act with an adult, the most appropriate response is to ensure the incident is reported. This action is critical for several reasons. Firstly, minors are considered vulnerable populations, and any instance of coercion or abuse must be addressed with urgency to protect the child's safety and well-being. Reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities—such as child protective services or law enforcement—is a legal requirement in many jurisdictions.

This obligation reflects both ethical and legal standards within the field of marriage and family therapy, as therapists are mandated reporters, which means they are required to report suspected abuse or neglect to ensure the child receives the necessary protection and services they need. Reporting helps initiate an investigation into the matter, which can lead to appropriate interventions for the minor involved and accountability for the adult.

While addressing the emotional impact of the situation is important, it cannot take precedence over the mandated reporting requirements in such cases of potential abuse. The priority must always be the safety and protection of the minor. Reconnecting the minor with the adult or simply documenting the conversation without reporting would not be appropriate responses and could potentially place the minor at further risk.