[Child sexual abuse. How to deal with suspected abuse?]

Sexual abuse in children is defined as the exploitation of children by adults for the sexual gratification of the latter. A particular problem is sexual violence within the family. The chronicity of the abuse, by means of which the child is precipitated into role conflicts is typical. Whether inside or outside the family, sexual abuse almost always has negative effects on the child's development. When such abuse is suspected, a gentle physical examination and an empathetic age-adapted psychiatric diagnostic work-up are indicated. The overriding objective of an intervention is to protect the child. The indication of psychotherapy is determined by the severity of the symptomatology. Among other things, prevention strategies are aimed at increasing the autonomy of the child.