Guidelines for the Evaluation of Sexual Abuse of Children:  Subject Review

Kairys, Steven; Alexander, Randell; Block, R. W.; Everett, V. D.; Hymel, Kent P.; Johnson, Cherlin; Goldman, Leslie; Shelley, Gene A.; Wagner, Karen; Jenny, Carole; Bays, Jan

doi:10.1542/peds.103.1.186

Cited by 135 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…The nature of child sexual abuse differs largely from the sexual assault of an adult. There may or may not be any physical injuries or ejaculation of semen (Christian et al, 2000;Kairys et al, 1999). Child abuse cannot be handled in the same way as in post-pubertal victims because immediate disclosure is quite rare in young children following the event.…”

Section: Main Textmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The hesitancy to report abuse is due to threats made by the perpetrator. Accidental disclosure is more common in children below 10 years after a complaint of pain in the abdomen or genital parts or a bloodstain in the underwear (Kaur et al, 2019;Kairys et al, 1999). Child sexual abuse should rather be seen as a process and not just a single episode (Kaur et al, 2019).…”

Section: Main Textmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Child sexual abuse should rather be seen as a process and not just a single episode (Kaur et al, 2019). Moreover, young children may not cooperate in the collection of vaginal, anal, or oral swabs, especially after a painful episode of assault (Kairys et al, 1999). Hence, evaluation protocol similar to that acclaimed for postpubertal victims may prove inappropriate for pre-pubertal victims.…”

Section: Main Textmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Upon reporting, interviewing of the child victim, to obtain details of an assault, should preferably be conducted by a trained professional possessing the knowledge of the nature and the consequences of sexual abuse (Kairys et al, 1999). Medical examination should be conducted by pediatric medical personnel who should address the health care needs of child victims and also promote healing of the victims.…”

Section: Examination Of Pre-pubertal Child Victimmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Medico-legal evidence collection in child sexual assault cases: a forensic significance

Kaur

Rawat

2021

Egypt J Forensic Sci

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Background Every year, millions of children face sexual exploitation worldwide. In India, 109 children (National Crime Records Bureau2018) were sexually abused everyday (22% jump from the previous year). Even with advanced DNA techniques, the conviction rate remains low. The methods used for forensic DNA evidence analysis vary around the world, but the primary step of biological evidence collection plays the most vital role. Proper and timely evidence collection from the victim by a trained medical professional is important. Main body Dynamics of child sexual assault being massively different from an adult rape demands altogether different approach of evidence collection. A standard sexual kit employed for evidence collection needs urgent modifications considering genital development of pre- and post-pubertal victims. In the present study, parameters including systemic collection and evaluation of forensic evidences, medico-legal examination, and developmental consequences of sexual assault on pre-pubertal victims were assessed. Further suggestions for separate evidence collection kit during medico-legal examination were given for pre-pubertal victims and alleged accused in sexual assault cases in order to streamline and for better evaluation of DNA analysis in forensic laboratories. Conclusion The importance of expert medical practitioners plays a significant role in collection of appropriate information and evidences from the victim of sexual assault. General guidelines for evidence collection in sexual assault cases are not well suited for pre-pubertal victims. Appropriate reforms pertaining to the age and genital development of victims are required. Securing clothing as forensic evidence is essential in most cases as it turned out to be the exclusive evidence bearing material. The purpose of this article is to bring awareness about the thorough medical examination and modified sexual assault kit for pre-pubertal victims and alleged accused for a better approach in evidence collection and conviction rate.

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Section: Main Textmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Main Textmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Main Textmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Examination Of Pre-pubertal Child Victimmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Medico-legal evidence collection in child sexual assault cases: a forensic significance

Kaur

Rawat

2021

Egypt J Forensic Sci

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“…[1,2] Acts of sexual abuse against males are most often seen in childhood, especially in the puberty phase, when psychosexual development has occurred. [3][4][5] Sexual abuse cases are assessed on a broad spectrum, from the level of basic contact to penetration. If the victim is a male child, in most cases, the exploiter uses the anorectal region for sexual intercourse.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Importance of Clinical Approach to Aggravated Sexual Abuse: Case Report

Karabağ

Tanrıverdi²,

Yavuz³

et al. 2018

Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg

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The reported rate of sex crimes, some of the most severe acts of violence that can be perpetrated against an individual, is increasing across all societies, regardless of gender or age of the victim. Sexual abuse has been defined, in part, as the involvement of a child in sexual activity for which they are incapable of giving consent, that they cannot fully comprehend, or for which they are developmentally immature. Molestation of the anorectal region is frequently encountered when the victim of sexual abuse is a male child. Tenderness around the anus, ecchymosis, and detachment in the anal sphincter and rectum mucosa may be observed in the acute examination of children who have been subjected to aggravated sexual abuse; however, injuries related to the anus or the rectum may also occur as a result of an accident. An 11-year-old male patient was referred from another health center with a report of being at risk of death. The injury that was said to be the result of accidentally sitting on a knife. An examination in the lithotomy position revealed perianal ecchymosis, a superficial laceration at 1 and 6 o'clock, and a deep laceration at 7 o'clock. Based upon a suspicion of sexual abuse, anal and rectal swab specimens were obtained. The pediatric surgery department performed a primary repair of the lacerations. The microscopic examination of the swab specimens revealed cells showing sperm morphology, and therefore the appropriate forensic statements were made and the swab specimens were sent to the judicial authority for genetic analysis. This report emphasizes the importance of the awareness of physicians regarding the prompt collection and submission of potentially evidential biological samples in a case of suspected sexual abuse though it may be presented as an accident.

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