Problems in diagnosing and treating children – victims of sexual abuse, including legal aspects

Abstract

Introduction. The most frequent source of information on sexual violence are the victims. It should be borne in mind that children rarely disclose sexual abuse directly, and the symptoms depend on how long they have been sexually abused, the relationship with the perpetrator, the kind of sexual activities, and factors related to the child’s development. The obvious consequences of child sexual abuse are body injuries: genitourinary tract infections and injuries to the external genitalia. Notwithstanding, the psychological consequences are more serious than the physical injuries. Aim. The study aimed to present the problem of sexually abused children including diagnostics and therapy of victims of violence. Conclusions. The effects of sexual abuse of a child include, in addition to physical trauma, also the disruption of proper psychosexual development. The task of doctors, nursing staff , educators, and psychologists is to efficiently and confidently identify the crime, enabling the initiation of therapeutic activities and legal proceedings.