The Evaluation of Suspected Pediatric Sexual Abuse

Children with suspected sexual abuse often present to the ED, not infrequently like those in the 2 cases described. Most children who are sexually abused have normal genital examinations, which should be explained in discussions with caretakers and investigators. Interviewing of the child should be avoided by the physician, except to establish current symptoms that may impact examination or testing. Exams should not be forced on children. The hymen is extremely sensitive in the unestrogenized female and should not be touched. Speculum examination is never performed in the prepubertal child, except under anesthesia by a practitioner experienced in child sexual abuse evaluation or gynecology. Examination under anesthesia by a physician experienced in surgical repair is indicated with active vaginal or rectal bleeding. In cases in which the examination is abnormal or inadequate, the subspecialist should be consulted. Patients with contact less than 72 hours before presentation may need forensic evidence collection, which should be coordinated with the subspecialist. Prepubertal females with vaginal discharge seen on examination should have testing sent not only for STDs, but also for non-STD etiologies including group A streptococcus and enterics. Postexposure prophylaxis (pregnancy, STD, HIV) should be considered when appropriate. There are many conditions that may be mistaken for sexual abuse. Detailed documentation of the history and the physical examination (written, drawings, and ideally photographs) is essential.