Sexual abuse in the family. Suggestions for medical curricula

Awareness of the recent escalation of sexual abuse in the RSA has exposed inconsistencies in the intervention and treatment process and has implications for routine health care. Fifth-year medical students at the University of the Witwatersrand are involved with children in institutions as part of their community paediatric course. During 1985, 9 of the 50 students had to deal with children who had previously been sexually abused. The students recognized their limitations in dealing with the sexually abused child and became aware of their own feelings when confronted with this problem. This has implications for the teaching of the dynamics of sexual abuse to medical students. It is suggested that knowledge of sexual abuse and its ramifications be addressed at the medical school curriculum level and be taught in the various clinical departments and incorporated into ward teaching rounds and seminars.