NCJ Number
145101
Journal
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 1 Issue: 3 Dated: (1992) Pages: 91-99
Date Published
1992
Length
9 pages
Annotation
The author cites relevant literature and offers a commentary on the medical evaluation of children with suspected sexual abuse--what constitutes "normal" findings, which findings should be considered specific for abuse, and what an examination can and cannot tell about whether the abuse occurred.
Abstract
Tables list some normal characteristics of the genitalia of newborns and presumably nonabused prepubertal girls, and some characteristics that may indicate abuse. Only the presence of sperm or semen is considered clear evidence of sexual abuse; other physical or bacterial signs are considered suggestive. Typically, the conclusiveness of examinations has been overestimated. A lack of perceivable evidence does not necessarily mean that no abuse has occurred; even penetration may cause little or no physical trauma, to say nothing of more superficial forms of abuse. Therefore, health professionals must acknowledge the following: the child's statement is the most important evidence; most medical examinations will show normal or nonspecific findings; most forms of touching leave no signs; and unusual genital findings may or may not be due to abuse. 4 tables and 21 references