NCJ Number
233382
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 19 Issue: 6 Dated: November - December 2010 Pages: 669-686
Date Published
December 2010
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the role of the medical provider in the evaluation of sexually abused children.
Abstract
It was only 30 years ago that the medical community began to develop an increased awareness of child sexual abuse, and the role of the medical provider in the evaluation of sexually abused children has evolved significantly. As clinicians worldwide develop a greater understanding of the impact of the sexual abuse evaluation on the child, the roles of the physician and nurse have changed. In the United States, current practice often uses a multidisciplinary assessment involving skilled forensic interviewing of the child and a medical examination done by a medical provider with specialized training in sexual abuse. In order to minimize child interviews, these assessments are frequently held in settings such as child advocacy centers, where forensic interviewers and medical clinicians, child protective service workers, and police and district attorneys can work jointly to address the legal and protective issues in a coordinated fashion. (Published Abstract)