Testing the sexually abused child for the HIV antibody: issues for the social worker

The frequency of HIV transmission to children and adolescents through sexual abuse is unknown. Because the incidences of HIV infection and of reported sexual abuse are both increasing, the transmission of HIV to children through sexual abuse may also be increasing. Social workers may have expanding roles in the decision-making process for testing and subsequent management of children infected with HIV through sexual abuse. This article discusses the benefits of identifying children who have been infected with HIV through sexual abuse and reviews guidelines for testing. Social workers can contribute to test decision making in instances when perinatal HIV transmission is a possibility, when it may be possible to test the assailant, and when parents or legal guardians insist on testing the child. Other issues discussed include family education and coping, physical education and support, social casework and research with pedophiles, and service needs for care and follow-up of children found to be HIV infected as a result of sexual abuse.