Reports to Victoria's Child Protection Service have increased dramatically, particularly since 1993 when mandatory reporting of serious physical and sexual abuse was introduced for doctors, police and nurses. Teachers were mandated in July 1994. This article examines the child protection system in Victoria in relation to reporting rates, outcomes, service design, types of abuse being notified and who is notifying. The author argues that child abuse statistics reveal more about 'the ambiguous definition of child abuse and neglect, and the anxiety of the community and professional groups, than they do about real incidence'.