NCJ Number
140474
Journal
Child Welfare Volume: 72 Issue: 1 Dated: (January-February 1993) Pages: 41- 49
Date Published
1993
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The experience of the Duke University Medical Center with 514 children evaluated for child sexual abuse during 2 years beginning in March 1987 revealed that the genital examination can be highly stressful for many children and led to the use of a protocol designed to reduce this stress.
Abstract
In contrast to the complacent views that many medical examiners may have regarding the sensitivity and gentleness with which they conduct examinations, many children report extreme stress during these examinations. For some, the examination triggers memories of the sexual abuse itself. This stress can be reduced by preparing the child for the examination, by giving the child greater control, and by discussing the examination with the child and the parents afterward. However, research is needed to develop the most effective techniques for reducing children's stress during a genital examination. Case examples and 15 references