Examination After Reports of Sexual Abuse: Timing Matters

Physical signs of trauma or sexual abuse are more likely to be found in children examined within 7 days.

Determining when and how to examine children who have reported sexual abuse is difficult. Researchers investigated the frequency of anogenital findings diagnostic of trauma, sexual contact, or both in relation to timing of the medical examination. Pediatricians trained in forensic examinations evaluated 257 children (80% females) who were referred by police or social services to a single U.K. community child health department from July 2002 to December 2005, following allegations of penetrative sexual abuse.

Overall, 114 exams took place within 7 days. Of the 193 girls who reported vaginal abuse, 50% of those examined within 7 days had physical findings, compared with 31% of those examined after 7 days. When stratified by pubertal status, 15…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Examination After Reports of Sexual Abuse: Timing Matters

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Reviewing Author