Medical care for the sexual assault victim

Often physicians are the victim's first contact. The physical and psychological trauma a victim and family suddenly face is disorienting. Physicians trained in the medical evaluation of pediatric sexual assault with a breadth of experience seeing positive, negative and subtle physical exam findings can often help explain these findings in the context of the victim's disclosure or lack of disclosure, and communicate this information to law enforcement. Physicians familiar with the law can inform their patients of their rights, and educate the families about the process that can be intimidating and frightening for children. The long-term sequelae for patients and their families include depression and post-traumatic stress disorder: clinicians must provide referrals to counseling and emphasize the importance of follow-through.