Evaluating Child Sexual Abuse

Children who have been sexually abused can be very challenging patients whose needs include emotional, psychological, social and legal support, in addition to medical examination and treatment. This text and video offer a learning experience for medical professionals working in child sexual abuse. The book is divided into four sections: decision points in the evaluation of child sexual abuse; the medical history for child sexual abuse; the medial examination for child sexual abuse; and medical-legal issues in child sexual abuse. Based on clinical cases, each section of the text sets out learner objectives, presents cases, asks specific study questions and then provides answers and discussion. The work can be used a a quick home-based self-study training programme and as a continuing reference, as well as in residency training for paedatrc, obstetric/gynaecology, family practice or emergency medicine, and in post-residency child abuse fellowhip training. the author recognizes that the role of skilled medical providers goes beyond examining children and referring them to multiple services.
It also involves talking to the children,working with their families and co-ordinating the efforts of various community and private services. In addition, medical providers must be advocates for the children, working with human service agencies and the legal system, as well as teachers who help educate families and other service providers. The book has been written to help medical providers improve their skills in all these areas.