Making paediatric assessment in suspected sexual abuse a therapeutic experience
Date
1995
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Archives of Disease in Childhood
Abstract
Sexual abuse in children may come to light in a variety of clinical settings. This paper outlines an approach to paediatric assessment in situations where a child has made a statement alleging abuse. Such children may be brought to the attention of a physician by referral from a general practitioner or from a child protection agency. In these situations a therapeutic approach is usually not expected and is rarely demanded by other professionals. While a carefully structured approach to the examination is needed to meet the requirements of social workers and the police who may be under considerable pressure to resolve the immediate child protection issues, the assessment should at all times be a healing experience for both the child and the family. A calm, gentle, and unhurried approach will go a long way toward making the examination part of the recovery process rather than another form of assault. Understanding of the special needs of such children is essential and paediatricians must always be sensitive to issues such as power, trust, and control. (Author Abstract)
Description
item.page.type
Article
item.page.format
Keywords
child abuse, diagnosis, treatment, clinical practice, International Resources, United Kingdom
Citation
De San Lazaro, C. (1995). Making paediatric assessment in suspected sexual abuse a therapeutic experience. Archives of disease in childhood, 73(2), 174-176.