NCJ Number
137961
Journal
Pediatrics Volume: 87 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1991) Pages: 254-260
Date Published
1991
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued guidelines on the evaluation of child sexual abuse; the guidelines have been approved by the Council on Child and Adolescent Health.
Abstract
Sexual abuse has been defined in these guidelines as "the engaging of a child in sexual activities that the child cannot comprehend, for which the child is developmentally unprepared and cannot give informed consent, and/or that violate the social and legal taboos of society." In determining whether sexual abuse has occurred, the pediatrician must conduct a thorough physical examination, interview the child, and note the child's emotional status and demeanor during the examination. In exams occurring within 72 hours of acute sexual assault or abuse, forensic studies should be performed. Routine cultures and screenings for sexually transmitted diseases are not recommended. The diagnosis of child sexual abuse is made on the basis of a child's history. The physician, in concert with a multidisciplinary evaluation team and the court, must establish a level of certainty about the occurrence of abuse. All sexually abused children should be evaluated by mental health providers to assess the need for treatment. Physicians should keep accurate records and drawings to use in civil or criminal court proceedings. The legal issues confronting pediatricians in evaluating sexually abused children include mandatory reporting, involvement in civil or family court proceedings or divorce and custody hearings, and involvement in criminal prosecutions. 2 tables and 21 references