Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Turkiye Klinikleri Pediatri, cilt.20, sa.4, ss.302-308, 2011 (Scopus)
Sexual abuse occurs when a child is engaged in sexual activities that he or she cannot comprehend, for which he or she is developmentally unprepared and cannot give consent, an/or that violate the law or social taboos of society. Emergency services are the entrance gate of the hospital for criminal cases including sexual abuse. Recently, because of the increase the incidence and prevalence of sexual abuse of children, the emergency service visits have increased. Due to the recent incidence and prevalence of sexual abuse of children, the emergency service visits have increased bringing the obligation to emergency physicians to enhance their knowledge and skills on the subject. In emergency services, the physician dealing with the sexual abuse cases should obtain a detailed history, perform careful physical examination especially for detection of injury traces and take proper swab samples in order to forward to relevant authorities. Juicidal notice should be made and permission for genital examination should be taken from releavent authorities. Empirical and prophylactic treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy should be considered. Psychological support should be provided. Interdisciplinary approach is important evaluation and decision of these cases. This approach provides benefits on especially on legal aspects for both the child and the emergency physician. Emergency physicians must have knowledge about multidisciplinary approach and have opinion on legal issues in management of such patients. After primary medical assesment of the patient, physicians must progress to communication and consultation with the relevant speacilists of the subject. Copyright © 2011 by Türkiye Klinikleri.