Abstract:
Despite consensus that the forensic medical examination is an integral component to a comprehensive response to child sexual abuse (CSA), concerns have
been expressed about the impact of these examinations on children and young
people. A small-scale survey was conducted with a group of CSA professionals
(n = 19), followed by semi-structured interviews with six adolescents, accessed
through CSA specialist units in Ireland. While concerns were expressed about
the examination, overall, professionals were in favour of it as part of a holistic
therapeutic response to CSA. Five themes were identified from the interviews
with adolescents: the experience of the examination as an imposition, the
unknown nature of the examination, the focus on the body itself, feeling
exposed and having a say. Findings highlight how a trauma-informed
approach, with emphasis on information sharing and supporting the autonomy of the young person’s voice and choice throughout the process, could provide a transformative experience for young people, helping them integrate
their psychological and physical sense of themselves. The forensic medical
examination can facilitate the healing and recovery process by bringing into
awareness many of the anxieties that, due to shame or inability to tolerate
associated emotional pain, remain unspoken and unspeakable following CSA.