The role of the paediatric surgeon in alleged child sexual abuse.
Two hundred ninety cases of alleged child sexual abuse (CSA) were reported in Edinburgh and the Lothian region over the 7-year period from 1982 through 1988. We have found an increase in the incidence of alleged CSA, which has resulted in greater involvement of the paediatric surgeon. CSA was found to be occurring with increasing frequency in younger children. The physical examination and the role of general anaesthesia are discussed together with the data about the collection of forensic material.
Lafferty
P M
PM
Department of Paediatric Surgery, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Lawson
G M
GM
Orr
J D
JD
Scobie
W G
WG
D000293:Adolescent; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010372:Pediatrics; D010808:Physical Examination; D010819:Physician's Role; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012380:Role; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology