Forensic Medical Exams
Children should be protected from every form of violence and receive appropriate medical and mental health treatment. These services should be delivered by a team of specialized professionals who care about children and who treat the child victim with dignity, respect, and appreciation of his/her emotional and intellectual maturity. Non-offending family members/caretakers are encouraged to be an active part of this treatment process.
When is a forensic medical exam needed?
Regardless of how long ago the assault occurred, it is important that child and adolescent victims be medically examined to ensure that they are healthy. This may be accomplished by your current pediatrician or with an exam performed at the Children's Advocacy Center by a physician with specialized training.
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What is a forensic medical exam?
A forensic medical exam is a physical exam conducted by a physician to determined whether a child has been physically harmed as a result of sexual or physical abuse. First, the physician will meet the child and non-offending parent/caregiver to explain the procedure. The actual physical exam included a thorough medical examination in which a colposcope may be used. The colposcope is non-invasive and does not hurt the child. Diagnostic tests, x-rays or culture specimens may be obtained to yield additional information or evidence. The child may be treated for injuries, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or other relevant medical problems. The physician will discuss the results of the examination with the non-offending parent/caretaker and the child, when appropriate, and may schedule a follow-up appointment, if necessary. In addition, the physician will communicate the results of the examination to investigators from the police and the Department of Children & Families (DCF), and to the Child Abuse Unit of the District Attorney's office, when appropriate.
What is the best way to prepare for a forensic medical exam?
There is really nothing that you need to do to prepare for the medical exam. However, if the sexual abuse occurred within the past 72 hours, it is recommended that you do not bathe the child or brush the child's teeth until after the exam. In addition, parents and caretakers are urged to talk with children and adolescents before the exam to tell them in general terms what to expect and to answer any questions they might have. The police officer or investigating social worker can assist a parent/caregiver with this, if needed. Parents/Caretakers may share this information with children and adolescents so they will know what to expect during their appointment. Children and adolescents, like adults, are likely to be more relaxed and less nervous when they know what to expect. Parents and caretakers should be supportive and help calm fears or anxieties that children or adolescents may express.