Mantle of forensics in child sexual abuse

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is defined as inappropriate adolescent or adult sexual behavior or contact with a child. Sexual abuse may be committed by any person including those under the age of 18 years when that person is either significantly older than the victim or is in a position of power or control over the child. Detecting CSA requires a high incidence of suspicion and familiarity with physical, behavioral, and verbal indications of abuse. Shame and guilt often may have discussion difficult. Studies have shown that approximately 60% of abused children have injuries to head, face, and mouth. Some of the oral and dental features that may be commonly noted in CSA are bruised lips, lacerated mucosa, nonexplainable missing teeth, tongue or frenal injuries, bone fractures in maxillofacial complex, and tooth trauma. It is important to us as dentists to remain vigilant as children depend on adults for protection. Hence, this review will culminate the investigations required by us not only as dentists but also as socially responsible adults.