Child abuse - sexual

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Sexual abuse - children

Symptoms of child abuse are similar to those seen in depression or severe anxiety and nervousness. They can include:

• Repeated headaches
• Stomach aches (vague complaints)
• Bowel disorders, such as soiling oneself (encopresis)
• Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa
• Sleep problems
• Genital or rectal symptoms, such as pain during a bowel movement or urination, or vaginal itch or discharge

Children may withdrawal from normal activities, have excessive fears, do poorly in school, and display disruptive behaviors such as using alcohol and street drugs or engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors.

If you suspect a child has been sexually abused, the child should be examined as soon as possible by a trained healthcare professional.

A doctor's exam should not be delayed for any reason. Many signs of injury related to sexual abuse are temporary. Ideally, the exam should occur within 72 hours of the event or discovery. A complete physical exam must always be performed, so that the examiner can look for any signs of physical and sexual abuse. The two forms of abuse may co-exist.

Affected areas may include the mouth, throat, penis, anus, and vagina, including the hymen. The hymen is a thin piece of tissue covering the opening of the vagina. There are some normal variations to this structure, but it can be affected by abuse.

Your doctor may also order blood tests to check for sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis and HIV, and pregnancy in females. These tests can help determine treatment.

Photographs of injuries may help establish what happened.

Most pediatricians, many family medicine doctors, and most emergency room (ER) doctors have training in examining cases involving sexual abuse. It is extremely important to write down physical findings related to any form of child abuse. A second exam with an expert abuse examiner should be scheduled after the first exam. A doctor or nurse specialist can be found through child protective services program anywhere in the United States.

An exam will automatically be scheduled when suspected child sexual abuse is reported to police or child protection agencies.

Review Date: 01/22/2007
Reviewed By: Leisha M. Andersen, M.D., Private Practice specializing in Pediatrics, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.