MEDICAL EVALUATION OF SUSPECTED SEXUALLY ABUSED PRE-PUBERTAL CHILDREN

Key words: Sexual abuse, Physical examination

A document prepared by a multidisciplinary task force provides recommendations on medical evaluation of suspected sexually abused pre-pubertal children. The document identifies the objectives and the environmental requisites for the assessment, describes how best to collect the history and carry out the physical examination, particularly of the genital area. A classification of the physical findings is proposed as well as criteria for differential diagnosis and for evaluating the likelihood of the sexual abuse. Indications are given on when and how to investigate for sexually transmitted disease and, finally, on how to prepare an appropriate medical report.