Child sexual abuse disclosures are often delayed beyond the time when forensic evidence or injury can be expected to be observed medically. However, a non-acute sexual abuse medical evaluation can still be useful to both children and investigators. Professionals may perceive the exam as traumatic but, in reality, these exams are often therapeutic. This workshop will provide participants with the basics of the sexual abuse medical evaluation, including appropriate medical terms related to anatomy, injuries, and infections; describe the medical services that may be beneficial for children in cases of historical abuse compared to acute assault medical services; and explain how expert testimony about a normal medical evaluation can benefit professionals in a child sexual abuse case.
Learning Objectives:
Contrast a non-acute sexual abuse medical evaluation with an acute sexual abuse evaluation
Understand the significance of findings (or lack thereof) on a medical exam after child sexual abuse
Understand the purpose of the non-acute sexual abuse medical evaluation and identify children who may benefit from one
