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Child abuse - sexual

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Sexual abuse - children

Treatment:

Treatment for any physical signs of sexual abuse is the same as for any form of cuts, bruises, or scrapes. The patient may need medicines to prevent or treat sexually transmitted diseases. Older females may receive medicines to prevent pregnancy.

All children who have been sexually abused or traumatized in any way should receive mental health counseling.

Suspicion of child sexual abuse must be reported to child protective services and the police. Medical professionals, teachers, and child care professionals are required by law to make a report.

Once a case is reported, child protection agencies and the police must investigate. If the allegation is considered true, the child must be protected from further abuse. Placement with a non-abusing parent, another relative, or a foster home may result.

In physical abuse cases, the goal of child protection agencies is to educate an abusing caretaker and attempt to re-join the family together, if safe. .

Support Groups:

Support groups for abused children, their parents, and caretakers are available and strongly recommended. The following organizations may provide more information:

Child Help USA - http://www.childhelpusa.org/

Prevent Child Abuse America - http://www.childabuse.org/

Expectations (prognosis):

Mental health is the major issue. Outcome depends on psychotherapy, family and social support, the nature and length of time the child was abused, and the individual characteristics of the child.

Complications:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Sleep disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Participation in unsafe sexual activities. Those who have been abused as children have an increased risk of becoming abusers themselves when they reach adulthood.

Calling your health care provider:

If you suspect child abuse in any form, immediately call your health care provider, child protective services, or police.

• Review Date: 1/22/2007
• Reviewed By: Leisha M. Andersen, M.D., Private Practice specializing in Pediatrics, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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