Reporting delays in child abuse: Insights from a chart review

Timely reporting of child abuse is critical for effective intervention, yet delays remain common, particularly for non-sexual abuse such as physical abuse and neglect. In Oman, these forms of abuses are often underreported and under prioritized in both professional responses and public discourse.

This study aimed to identify factors associated with delayed reporting of child abuse in Oman through a retrospective chart review of confirmed cases.

A total of 1070 child abuse cases reported to child protection system between January 2021 and December 2022 in Muscat region were analyzed.

The main outcome measured was reporting delay (≤6 months vs. >6 months). Predictor variables included child demographics, abuse characteristics, family factors, and reporting details. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression.

Delayed reporting was significantly associated with physical abuse (OR = 5.67, 95% CI [2.639, 12.195], p < .001), neglect (OR = 2.26, 95% CI [1.145, 4.457], p = .019), death of a parent (OR = 4.54, 95% CI [1.165, 17.684], p = .029), and self- or parent-reporting. Abuse by known perpetrators, especially parents, was more likely to involve delays. Additionally, delayed reporting was more likely to occur among adolescents and children from high-income families.

Reporting delays are influenced by abuse type, family structure, socioeconomic status, and perpetrator relationship to the victim. These findings underscore the need for culturally informed professional training and broader public awareness efforts, along with stronger systemic and legal support to reduce barriers to reporting, particularly in collectivist societies and among vulnerable populations.