Laws requiring clergy to report child abuse to authorities — even if it's heard in the confession box — will come into effect on Monday, ending the "special treatment" for Victoria's religious institutions.

The seal has now been lifted for the suspected sexual abuse of children, with spiritual and religious leaders required to report the abuse or face up to three years in prison.

The laws requiring clergy to report abuse - even it is heard in the confession box - will come into effect on Monday. Credit:Michael Rayner

"From [Monday], our promise to put the safety of children ahead of the secrecy of the confession is in full effect and there is no excuse for people who fail to report abuse," said Attorney-General Jill Hennessy.

The changes bring religious and spiritual leaders in line with teachers, police, medical practitioners, nurses, school counsellors, and early childhood and youth justice workers, who are required to report the abuse and mistreatment of children.