Child sexual abuse examinations: proposed guidelines for a standard of care

A review of the literature regarding child sexual abuse examinations is presented and a proposal for a more objective and stringent standard of care is made. Current limitations in sexual abuse examinations include examiner bias, faulty procedures or diagnostic materials, and varied or conflicting roles of the judicial, social service, and mental health systems. Examiners in such cases should have adequate and specific training, be a neutral party appointed by the court, record the proceedings, and have access not only to the alleged victim, but also to the accused and to other parties during the examination.