Child Maltreatment - Sexual Abuse

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Sexual abuse of a child is a form of family violence and child maltreatment. A child may be defined as a person under 18 years of age. Each state may have different legal views of sexual child abuse. Sexual abuse happens when someone has sexual contact with a child or includes him in any sexual activity. This may involve kissing, displaying genitals, fondling, showing pornographic materials, or using force to have sex. Sexual exploitation, which includes child prostitution and pornography, may also be considered sexual abuse. Child prostitution uses a child for sexual activities in return for money, property, or anything of value. Taking pictures, videotaping, or filming a naked child to make sexual materials are considered child pornography.
  
  
• Signs and symptoms of sexual abuse may include changes in behavior or injuries in the genital area. Injuries may include lacerations (cuts), abrasions (scratches), bite marks, or marks from objects used for restraint. He may also have blood or discharge stains in his clothing. He may develop signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI) or a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Sexual abuse may be diagnosed by a physical exam, blood or urine tests, or colposcopy (vaginal exam). Treatment for children who are victims of sexual abuse may include medicine to treat pain or infections, and counseling. When child abuse is reported and diagnosed, caregivers can help people who are at risk for or are victims of child abuse.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

RISKS:

Sexual abuse of a child is a serious, life-threatening problem, and treatment should be given as soon as possible. If sexual abuse is left untreated, your child may develop serious health and mental problems. Repeated acts of violence may lead to severe (very bad) injuries, unwanted pregnancies, or even death. Your child's behavior may change, and he may develop other serious problems. These include alcohol or drug use, depression, and problems with his self-esteem, mood, friendships, and relationships. He may even have thoughts of harming himself or others. The earlier sexual abuse is treated, the better the chances of preventing future problems. Your child's health, quality of life, and ability to function may improve if sexual abuse is stopped. Ask caregivers if you or your child are worried or have questions about his condition, treatment, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.

Activity:

At first, your child may need to rest in bed and get plenty of sleep. If he has trouble breathing or chest pain, call caregivers right away.

IV:

An IV is a tube placed in your child's vein for giving medicine or liquids.

Medicines:

Your child may need any of the following:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help prevent or treat an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Pain medicine: Your child may need medicine to take away or decrease pain. Know how often your child should get the medicine and how much. Watch for signs of pain in your child. Tell caregivers if his pain continues or gets worse. To prevent falls, stay with your child to help him get out of bed.
  
  
• Tetanus shot: This medicine prevents a condition called tetanus, and may be given if there is an open wound. It is given as a shot. The victim should have a tetanus shot if he has not had one in the past 5 to 10 years.

Oxygen:

Your child may need oxygen if his blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. Oxygen will help your child breathe easier. Your child may get oxygen through small tubes placed in his nostrils, or through a mask. He may instead be placed in an oxygen tent. Never take off your child's oxygen tubes or mask or remove him from the tent without asking his caregiver first.

Tests:

Your child may need any of the following tests:

• Abdominal ultrasound: This test is done so caregivers can see the tissues and organs of your abdomen. Gel will be put on your abdomen and a small sensor will be moved across your abdomen. The sensor uses sound waves to send pictures of your abdomen to a TV-like screen.
  
  
• Blood and urine tests: Samples of your child's blood and urine may be sent to a lab for tests.
  
  
• Colposcopy: This procedure uses a colposcope to examine your child's vagina and cervix. A colposcope is metal tube with a light and tiny video camera on the end.
  
  
• Culture and smear exam: A sample of discharge may be collected from an area such as the eyes or genitals, and taken to a lab for tests.
  
  
• Forensic tests: Hair strands and samples of stains or discharge from the skin, clothing, a blanket, or the scene of the abuse may be examined.
  
  
• Pelvic exam: Girls may need to have an internal or vaginal exam. The exam will give caregivers information about any injuries that may have resulted from the abuse.

Treatment options:

Your child may need any of the following:

• Counseling: Your child may need counseling to cope with his condition. A caregiver may talk to you, your child, other family members, friends, or the abuser about sexual abuse. This may include what may happen if the abuse is not stopped. Your child may need to leave his current living situation and placed in foster care to escape the abuse.
  
  
• Surgery: Surgery may be needed if your child has injuries. Damaged tissues may be repaired if there is a laceration (cut) especially in the genital area. Surgery may also be needed to treat other injuries.

Vital signs:

Caregivers will check your child's blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask you or your child about his pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your child's current health.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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