Sexual abuse of children--a primer for physicians

Sexual abuse of children is a problem that can present to any physician at any time. This article provides basic information about child sexual abuse and instructs physicians how to respond to abuse victims in a professionally responsible way that assures that the child is supported and protected. Legal definitions, prevalence, epidemiology, evaluation approaches, psychological problems, interviewing, the physical examination, sexually transmitted diseases, and management issues are discussed with emphasis on the physician's role. Finally, prevention is mentioned as the only real solution to this problem.