No abstract

No abstract

A key portion of the medical evaluation of child sexual abuse is the medical history. This differs from interviews or histories obtained by other professionals in that it is focuses more on the health and well-being of the child. Careful questions should be asked about all aspects of the child's medical history by a skilled, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and objective clinician. Often the diagnosis of sexual abuse is based only on the medical history. The history can be further understood by knowledge of how children are abused and their reactions to it. By addressing the child's and parent's concerns, reassurance can also be provided about what is normal and abnormal with the child's body.

No abstract

This paper reflects an approach to the medical evaluation of children alleged to have been sexually abused to meet their diagnostic and therapeutic needs. The approach emphasises the importance of the role of the doctor in conducting thorough medical histories to understand a child's suspected experience and integrating that information into the formulation of a balanced and objective opinion. Key Practitioner Messages Understand the clinical presentation of child sexual victimisation. Appreciate the important role of the doctor in meeting the diagnostic, therapeutic and protection needs of child sexual abuse (CSA) victims. Appreciate the importance of the collective insights of numerous professionals when responding to allegations of CSA. Develop comfort in providing anticipatory guidance regarding personal space and safety as a part of routine medical care.