Child Sexual Abuse (S2:E10)

Navigating the waters of child sexual abuse is difficult. This patient population necessitates a delicate approach. Andy Sirotnak, MD, Director of the Child ProtectionTeam and nurse practitionerDenise Abdoo, PhDdiscuss adolescent and child sexual abuse, its indicators and how to approach and care for these patients.

 In this episode:

• How providers can normalize conversations around sexual abuse with patients and families
• When concerns about child sexual abuse most commonly arise
• Most common indicators and signs of sexual abuse in children
• Why it is critical to teach children not to take photos of their bodies or keep secrets and good touch versus bad touch
• What a pediatrician should do when a parent calls with concerns of possible child sexual abuse
• Key components of a sexual abuse exam and the focus on external genitalia
• The bathing suit concept for talking to children about private parts
• Importance of building the family story and why having the parents’ history is crucial for treating patients of childhood sexual abuse
• The role of mental health issues in the spectrum of child sexual abuse
• Recommended follow-up care and resources to help families through child sexual abuse

 Resources for sexual abuse:

• Sirotnak recommends physicians:
  • Be familiar with local child advocacy center and victim assistance programs
  • Use local experts in their communities
  • Call other pediatricians for insight or resources
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect
• Child abuse and neglect resourcesfrom the American Academy of Pediatrics
• The Resilience Project
• Council on Child Abuse and Neglect