Ms. M is a mathematics teacher at a rural high school where she also attended school. During a casual conversation with one of her students while waiting for the bus, the student disclosed that she had been sexually abused by a family member. Ms. K knows the family and decides to use discretion by not reporting the incident because she wants to investigate the situation on her own. What possible issues/concerns might this scenario raise?

• How could this situation become a violation of the law, an ethics code issue, or other school/district policies?
• In this situation, what are some potential negative consequences for the teacher, for the students and the school community?
• What responses/actions will result in a more positive outcome and/or what proactive measures might be considered?

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