NCJ Number
138468
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect: The International Journal Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Dated: (July/August 1992) Pages: 533-540
Date Published
1992
Length
8 pages
Annotation
To better understand practices and perceptions of child sexual abuse medical evaluations, a survey was conducted of 579 professionals who were attending educational programs on child sexual abuse; a total of 85.8 percent (497) responded. Half of the respondents reported no previous training in child sexual abuse.
Abstract
Of the 336 nonphysician professionals, 194 (57.7 percent) were in positions where they refer the victims, and 69 percent of these did not refer all of the children they saw for medical evaluations. The first referral choice for medical evaluation was most often to the victim's primary physician (57 percent). For those professionals who did not refer all alleged victims for medical evaluation, neither the victims' age, gender, nor accessibility to care were generally considered relevant in the determination of the decision to refer; however, the type of abuse and presence of physical and psychological symptoms were considered relevant in making the decision. The majority indicated that the findings of the medical exam were very useful in substantiating or refuting the allegation of abuse. Further training for both medical and nonmedical professionals is needed to increase awareness of the need for and implications of the medical evaluation if children are to receive comprehensive assessments. Physicians may have an active role in this process through education of professionals and provision of care. 3 tables and 19 references