title: [Drafting of a medical certificate in cases of suspected child abuse: guarding against traps].
abstract: Informing the proper authorities of any case of child abuse, and in particular sexual abuse in a minor, 15 years old or less, is a legal and ethical obligation for the physician. In this field, voluntary failure to do so may constitute a failure to assist a person in danger. The description should be set out in the form of a certificate, which should only be drafted after the child has been seen and examined. Personal opinions and any references to third parties should be avoided in relation to the facts observed. The certificate may be sent to legal, medical or administrative authorities but preferably, especially in case of emergency, should be sent to the Attorney General.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sicot
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D019221:Mandatory Reporting; D010372:Pediatrics; D011640:Public Policy