Acute Sexual Assault in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population

Gylynthia E Trotman; Christian Young-Anderson; Katherine P Deye

doi:10.1016/j.jpag.2015.05.001

Acute Sexual Assault in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population

J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2016 Dec;29(6):518-526. doi: 10.1016/j.jpag.2015.05.001. Epub 2015 May 16.

Authors

Gylynthia E Trotman¹, Christian Young-Anderson², Katherine P Deye³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Women's and Infants' Services, Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Medstar Washington Hospital Center/Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Freddie Mac Foundation Child and Adolescent Protection Center, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia.
³ Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia; Freddie Mac Foundation Child and Adolescent Protection Center, Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia.

PMID: 26702774
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2015.05.001

Abstract

Children and adolescents are at high risk for sexual assault. Early medical and mental health evaluation by professionals with advanced training in sexual victimization is imperative to assure appropriate assessment, forensic evidence collection, and follow-up. Moreover, continued research and outreach programs are needed for the development of preventative strategies that focus on this vulnerable population. In this review we highlight key concepts for assessment and include a discussion of risk factors, disclosure, sequelae, follow-up, and prevention.

Keywords: Anogenital injury; Forensic examination; HIV postexposure prophylaxis; Sexual assault; Sexually transmitted infections.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Child
Child Abuse, Sexual* / diagnosis
Child Abuse, Sexual* / psychology
Crime Victims
Female
Forensic Medicine
Humans
Male
Mandatory Reporting
Physical Examination / methods
Risk Factors
Sexually Transmitted Diseases / diagnosis