Many refuse to do this, and cover up the abuse when investigated. I am in the middle of such a case now. Stepfather is developmentally delayed and Mother is below average but fairly high functioning. Stepfather has hit child. Daycare reports bruises.
Child tells mother.
Mother refuses to believe child and yells at him for telling lies. We reach an agreement that stepfather is not to be left alone with children, and case conference with the numerous service providers already in place. Two weeks later it happens again. I ask mother why she allowed stepfather to be with the child unsupervised. I ask her why she hid the abuse.