Medical Evaluation of the Sexually Abused Child: understanding the essential components, its therapeutic and investigatory value - Workshop

This workshop will provide an in-depth look at the of the essential components of how the medical evaluation of the child suspected of experiencing sexual abuse should be conducted. A focus for the health care provider will... [ view full abstract ]

This workshop will provide an in-depth look at the of the essential components of how the medical evaluation of the child suspected of experiencing sexual abuse should be conducted. A focus for the health care provider will be on conducting the examination to optimize evidence whether it is verbal or physical and how that evidence is obtained, preserved and integrated into the formulation of an objective, balanced and defensible diagnostic assessment. Participants will learn an approach to the child that is designed to be therapeutic for the child and can help address cognitive distortions and common body image concerns. Because verbal evidence is the most common form of "evidence" there will be a focus on obtaining medical history details that reflect a child's idiosyncratic and age appropriate reflection of their experience. Many times there will be a discrepancy between a child's disclosure/perception of a sexual experience and what might be found on physical examination generally related to the issue of penetration. Participants will learn how to understand and to explain that discrepancy as well as others. Underlying medical conditions that may mimic sexual abuse will be explored. Examples of how the myriad of physical examination findings, physical/forensic evidence and verbal evidence can be explained will be discussed and how those details can be formalized into a defensible diagnostic assessment will be provided. The workshop will as well assist non-medical professionals in child protection and law enforcement in understanding the investigatory value of a well conducted medical evaluation, when to request an examination, what to expect from an examination and how to interpret a medical examination report. This workshop will use numerous clinical case examples to illustrate key points and do so in a manner that encourages participant involvement.