Failing to report suspected child abuse violates which ethical principle most directly?

Beneficence requires the clinician to act in the patient's best interest and take active steps to promote their wellbeing. Failing to report suspected child abuse violates beneficence because it fails to protect a vulnerable patient from ongoing harm. Reporting suspected abuse is a legal mandated duty in all U.S. states (dentists are mandatory reporters). It also has elements of justice (protecting a vulnerable person from injustice) and non-maleficence (preventing further harm), but beneficence is the primary principle violated by inaction. Autonomy refers to patient decision-making rights (not applicable here). Veracity refers to honesty.