Current debates in child sexual abuse

Abstract 

This report debates some of the topics around sexual abuse that appear to be causing some difficulties to practitioners. The incidence is mentioned and the importance of the history from the child is emphasized. Reasons why a child should receive a medical examination together with when the examination takes place, who should carry this out, and whether this should be one or two practitioners. The consent to the examination and timing of it are also debated as is the nature of the examination, and the need for good and appropriate documentation, and photography of one sort or another. The examination positions are discussed as are the clinical findings and sexually transmitted diseases.

Keywords: child sexual abuse, history, examination, terminology

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