Aberrant genital practices: An unrecognized form of child sexual abuse

The sexual abuse of children in the United States is a problem of epidemic proportions. Sexual abuse is defined as any activity with a child that is conducted for the sexual gratification of the perpertrator. Common examples of sexual abuse include vaginal intercourse; oral-genital contact; anal-genital contact; fondling; finger manipulation; and stimulation of the offender. Sexual abuse may also occur in less typical patterns in which children are subjected to aberrant genital care practices, typically by their parents. Three case studies illustrate examples of aberrant genital practices. This type of abuse can be identified in primary care settings by asking specific questions of parents and children. Examples of such questions are provided.