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Abstract
Physicians are increasingly faced with the task of evaluating and reporting possible
sexual abuse of children. All suspected sexual abuse cases should begin with a careful
history from the child and her parents. The child should be interviewed in a supportive,
nonthreatening setting. The medical examination should be thorough and carefully documented
for possible use in future prosecution. The physician should have a gentle, unhurried
approach to the patient with careful explanations of all procedures in advance. Forensic
data should be collected and tests for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) should
be administered. Vulvar/hymenal appearance should be carefully noted for comparison
with nonsexually abused children. A multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation and
treatment of the sexually abused child is important and should involve pediatricians,
gynecologists, mental health professionals.
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© 1988 Springer-Verlag New York Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.