Hymenal Characteristics in Girls with and without a History of Sexual Abuse

• NCJ Number: 236996
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 20 Issue: 5 Dated: September-October 2011 Pages: 521-536
• Author(s): Sara T. Stewart
• Date Published: October 2011
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article reviews physical findings related to the hymen in pubertal and prepubertal girls with and without a history of sexual abuse.

Abstract

This article reviews the recent literature on physical findings related to the hymen in pubertal and prepubertal girls with and without a history of sexual abuse. Characteristics of normal hymenal anatomy, acute traumatic findings, and characteristics of healed trauma are discussed, particularly with regard to changes in the interpretation of these findings that have occurred over time. (Published Abstract)