Child Abuse and Neglect

Table of Contents

1. Child Abuse and Neglect
2. What is Child Abuse and Neglect?
3. Physical Abuse
4. Sexual Abuse
   1. Behavioral indicators of sexual abuse
   2. Evaluation of suspected sexual abuse
   3. Physical findings in sexual abuse examinations
   4. Evaluation of acute sexual assault
   5. Sequelae of sexual abuse
5. Child Neglect
6. When you suspect abuse or neglect
7. Domestic Violence and Children
8. Preventing Child Abuse
9. References

Sequelae of sexual abuse

As discussed above, the immediate risks of sexual abuse or assault include pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and physical injuries. These complications are rare in the pediatric population, but a substantial number-up to 50% of child and adolescent victims-experience long-term, debilitating emotional, psychological, and even medical sequelae. Among these sequelae are:

1. Difficulties maintaining healthy intimate relationships with life partners;

2. Higher risk of developing psychiatric illness, especially mood disorders, self-harming, and eating disorders;

3. Higher risk for substance use, sexual promiscuity, and other poor lifestyle choices;