When nurses become aware that a person with whom they are working is being abused, deprived, ill-treated or sexually assaulted, they must use the most appropriate means to protect that person, exercising caution and circumspection.
In the case of a minor or a person who is unable to protect him/herself due to age, illness or physical or mental condition, nurses must alert the judicial, medical or administrative authorities, except in special circumstances which they must assess in good conscience.