The evaluation of children in the primary care setting when sexual abuse is suspected

Pediatrics. 2013 Aug;132(2):e558-67. doi: 10.1542/peds.2013-1741. Epub 2013 Jul 29.

Abstract

This clinical report updates a 2005 report from the American Academy of Pediatrics on the evaluation of sexual abuse in children. The medical assessment of suspected child sexual abuse should include obtaining a history, performing a physical examination, and obtaining appropriate laboratory tests. The role of the physician includes determining the need to report suspected sexual abuse; assessing the physical, emotional, and behavioral consequences of sexual abuse; providing information to parents about how to support their child; and coordinating with other professionals to provide comprehensive treatment and follow-up of children exposed to child sexual abuse.

Keywords: sexual abuse.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / diagnosis*
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / therapy
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Interdisciplinary Communication
  • Interview, Psychological
  • Male
  • Mandatory Reporting*
  • Medical History Taking*
  • Physical Examination / methods*
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Professional-Family Relations
  • Self Disclosure
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / diagnosis
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / psychology
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / therapy