Sex Offenses

A review of how physicians should approach the evaluation of a child who may have been sexually abused. Unfortunately only the abstract is available for free, but the information it contains is useful, and those who need or want to know more can purchase the article. James W. Mold, MD, MPH

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If you work with children, then you are seeing children who have been sexually abused. Many presentations in a health setting go unrecognised.

It is a field of paediatric practice that has changed rapidly over the last fifteen years. The evidence base is now set out by the RCPCH, giving a much clearer steer on the interpretation of physical signs. There has been a shift from examinations being provided within a child protection rota, to being carried out by specialists in a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). In many places, this has meant regionalisation of the service, and in some places, provision outside the NHS. There has been a seismic cultural change in recognition of, and response to, sexual abuse in society as a whole.

Alongside this, the internet has created new ways of grooming and exploitation, and linked together those who seek to normalise CSA offending. The challenge to paediatrics (and to safeguarding and criminal justice systems), is to meet the need that these developments have exposed.

Author/s:

Gifford, J.