The medical evaluation of the sexually abused child : Lessons from a decade of research

Research has shown the best way to screen children for child abuse. One important finding from research is that genital abnormalities can occur in healthy children who have not been abused. Therefore, doctors with experience in examining these normal variants will be needed to confirm a diagnosis of sexual abuse. Pregnancy and evidence of sperm are obvious signs of sexual abuse. Sexually transmitted infections and genital injuries are also possible signs of abuse.