Child sexual abuse--an increasing rate of diagnosis.
In 2 years in Leeds, two paediatricians diagnosed sexual abuse in 94 boys and 243 girls. 38% were under 5 at diagnosis and the mean age was 8.0 years. 39% presented following disclosure by the child. 83% of boys and 25% of girls had anal signs and 58% of girls had genital signs. 60% of abusers were related to the child and half of these were natural fathers. 25% of all abusers were teenagers and 5% were women. The abuser was convicted in 25% of cases and protective legal orders were sought in 36%. Sexual abuse is emerging as a major child and mental health problem that requires new resources in training and personnel.
D000293:Adolescent; D001003:Anal Canal / Q000473:pathology; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology; D002652:Child Behavior; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D005835:Genitalia / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male