Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

What charge would Ella likely face for not reporting her husband’s actions?

1. Negligent supervision of a minor

2. Permitting sexual abuse of a child

3. Failure to protect

4. Conspiracy to commit abuse

The correct answer is: Permitting sexual abuse of a child

Ella would likely face the charge of permitting sexual abuse of a child because this charge applies when an individual knowingly allows or fails to prevent abuse or neglect to a minor. In scenarios where a person, especially a spouse, is aware of abusive actions and does not report them or take steps to prevent further harm, this charge is particularly relevant. It captures the responsibility an individual has to protect vulnerable minors from known risks. The other possible charges, while they involve neglect or a lack of action, do not precisely align with the situation of someone who is aware of and does not act against the sexual abuse of a child. Negligent supervision refers more specifically to a failure to supervise adequately, whereas failure to protect may involve a broader range of neglect but does not pinpoint the awareness of sexual abuse as directly. Conspiracy to commit abuse would imply a premeditated agreement to engage in abusive behavior, which does not apply if the individual is merely aware of but not involved in the abusive actions.