Child sexual abuse: the role of the NP

Child sexual abuse is a problem of major proportion that has only recently come into public focus. The numbers of reported cases of sexual mistreatment have increased, especially in the last two years. The signs and symptoms of chronic abuse may differ from those seen in acute episodes of molestation. In 75 percent of the cases, the perpetrator is known to the child. The child abuse team at Harbor/UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, Calif., examines many victims of sexual abuse. The referrals come from a variety of agencies, including law enforcement and the courts (in 1984, 300 children were assessed). Recognition of abnormal anal and/or genital findings is an especially frustrating aspect of these cases. This article provides information on the identification and treatment of the patient who has been sexually abused.