Use of the colposcope in examination for sexual abuse

Date

1996

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Archives of Disease in Childhood

Abstract

The colposcope is an instrument widely used in gynaecology for the examination of the cervix uteri. In recent years, with the recognition of the importance of child sexual abuse as a major child health problem, increased attention has focused on the examination of the genitalia and anus in children. Diagnosed cases of sexual abuse have increased substantially in recent years in both the UK and other countries. Interest in the process of diagnosis has encouraged the adoption of new methods of physical examination including the use of the colposcope. Generations of doctors were trained with little emphasis on the normal genital and anal appearances in children. Rapid growth of knowledge in this area has accumulated as a result of careful routine clinical practice and several recent research studies some of which have utilised the colposcope. (Author Abstract)

Description

Keywords

child abuse, diagnosis, signs, technique, International Resources, United Kingdom

Citation

Hobbs, C., & Wynne, J. (1996). Use of the colposcope in examination for sexual abuse. Archives of disease in childhood, 75(6), 539-542.

DOI