Diagnostic findings in alleged sexual abuse: symptoms have no predictive value

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
Patrick KellyJohn M Thompson

Abstract

To describe demographic characteristics and trends, indications for referral and medical findings in children and young people seen for suspected sexual abuse. Retrospective review of consecutive medical records over a 7-year period. A total of 2310 new patients were seen for concerns about sexual abuse and/or genital symptoms, resulting in 2162 genital examinations, of which 2134 were statistically analysed. The age ranged from 1 month to 17 years, with peaks at 3 and 14 years. Eighty-six percent were female. Most were referred by statutory authorities, with a marked reduction in referral numbers from 1997. Where a perpetrator was described, 97% were male and 92% were family members or friends. Medical findings diagnostic of sexual abuse were found in 130 cases (6%). Diagnostic findings were more likely to be found in adolescent girls. For the most part, physical symptoms were of no value in differentiating between those who had been sexually abused and those who had not. The demographics are concordant with the literature. The reduction in referrals may reflect changes in practice by statutory authorities. In pre-pubertal children, referrals were often made on the basis of physical symptoms, which have no predictive value in ...Continue Reading

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Citations

Nov 5, 2011·Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health·Rose EverittPatrick Kelly
Nov 29, 2011·Child Abuse & Neglect·Clemencia RamírezJuan Carlos Botero
Apr 7, 2009·Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinics of North America·Diane F Merritt
Apr 14, 2010·Journal of Forensic Sciences·Claudia LiuzziFrancesco Vinci
May 26, 2015·Forensic Science International : Synergy·Marlene Beyer EgAnnie Vesterby Charles
Aug 31, 2016·Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology·Amy P GoldbergChristine E Barron
Sep 18, 2008·Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology·Joyce A Adams
Jun 21, 2019·Journal of Child Sexual Abuse·Michael A Taylor, John C Higginbotham
Oct 3, 2016·Psychiatry, Psychology, and Law : an Interdisciplinary Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law·Henry OtgaarPatricia van Reekum
Jun 1, 2021·International Journal of Legal Medicine·Martine Schaul, Thorsten Schwark
Nov 8, 2017·Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology·Tanya D SmithMichelle Shouldice

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