Medical examinations when child sexual abuse is disclosed or suspected can have wide benefits including identifying forensic and evidential findings and providing a holistic assessment of the health and wellbeing of children who have experienced sexual abuse. This includes addressing unmet general, mental and sexual health needs, assessing risk (including for self-harm and suicide) and providing feedback and reassurance from health professionals to children and carers.

It’s important that practitioners who engage with children prior to a possible referral for medical examination have the knowledge and confidence to provide information and advice to children and non-abusing parents and carers.

Follow the link below to read the article in full,

https://www.csacentre.org.uk/knowledge-in-practice/practice-improvement/medical-examinations/