Job Discussion Forums

[Lady Optima]

This question is deliberately vague (too many people I know, visit this forum) but has anyone here been in a situation where they felt a student or neighbor was in danger? What did you do about it? What was the reaction?

I am talking about the kind of thing that if I were in my home country and did not report such a case, I could be criminally liable if it came to light I knew something was wrong and did nothing; here I don't know.

If it helps, I am not worried about losing my job, only worried about what the best thing to do is and not making things worse.

I don't trust anyone I know personally enough to ask, about such a situation, since when I started my contract, I did ask around and the prevailing attitude was: don't worry about it, nothing like THAT ever really happens.

"That" referring to any kind of problem, domestic violence, neglect, malaise, anything.

Unfortunately I am pretty sure what they meant is "you won't be held responsible, so who cares."

In any case what happened this time is a one time incident and not life or death, and already seems to be handled (not to my satisfaction, but handled) or I would be more upset. But I am concerned what to do in the future.

Any advice/experience is welcome. Sorry I cannot offer any details.

[Mr. Leafy]

Do you teach junior or senior high school? There should be councillors on campus (probably not full time). They are often not obvious to the foreign teachers, we don't get introduced or interact with them, but they are around. Or the school nurse could help. They sometimes have a bit of English.

I understand the obligation of a mandated reporter. It's hard to do nothing but it's also hard to be taken seriously as an outsider there.

If it's a neighbour, how's your Japanese? Pick up a brochure on the relevant topic (from the ward office maybe) and pop it in the mailbox, if you can be sure the right person will find it first. But maybe don't do this if, as you say, it's a one-time thing.

pm me if you want.

[kah5217]

Try the TELL hotline. It's in English.

[Mr. Leafy]