title: Forensic child abuse evaluation: a review.
abstract: This review discusses the forensic medical and psychological assessments of children and adolescents suspected of being victims of sexual or physical abuse/neglect. Evaluation of the whole child and the need to minimize trauma during the investigative and assessment processes are stressed. The forensic medical examination is reviewed, including the specifics of the pediatric anogenital examination. The key components of the forensic medical examination in sexual assault cases are also reviewed, with particular attention to maintaining the integrity of the process. Special emphasis is placed on the forensic interview in child sexual abuse cases, the best evidence available and areas in need of further research.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029-6574, USA. danielle.laraque@mssm.edu
authors.forename: Danielle
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Laraque
authors.forename: Amy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: DeMattia
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Low
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000175:diagnosis; D002651:Child Advocacy; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological / Q000592:standards; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000523:psychology / Q000592:standards; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D014481:United States