Child sexual abuse evaluations in an emergency room: an overview and suggestions for a multidisciplinary approach

Area of Science:

• Forensic Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Child sexual abuse (CSA) causes significant physical and emotional distress.
• The emergency room (ER) response to CSA is critical and requires careful planning.
• Inadequate ER protocols can exacerbate victim trauma.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing literature on ER evaluations for child sexual abuse.
• To propose recommendations for a multidisciplinary team approach to CSA evaluations in the ER.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on ER evaluations for child sexual abuse.
• Synthesis of findings to develop recommendations for a multidisciplinary team approach.

Main Results:

• Current literature highlights the need for improved ER protocols for CSA.
• A multidisciplinary team, including physicians, nurses, mental health professionals, and law enforcement, is essential.

Conclusions:

• A coordinated, multidisciplinary team approach enhances the quality and comprehensiveness of ER evaluations for CSA.
• Effective ER response is vital for supporting child victims and ensuring appropriate legal and medical follow-up.