Child Sexual Abuse: The History, Current State of the Art and the Challenges for the Future: A Pediatric Perspective

Abstract

Chapter review of the evolution in the field of the diagnosis and management of possible child sexual abuse as referred from parents, law enforcement and social services. The review includes an overview of the importance of history, impact of testimony by both the child victim and the medical professional on the outcome of the legal intervention. Conclusions focused on the importance of outcomes for children and families and child protection as the most important measurement of effective and appropriate interventions as well as maintaining a professional, research-based foundation for diagnosis and treatment. Additional information is provided on the current standards for (1) Interviewing and (2) Medical diagnosis and includes a summary of the challenges to professionals as they continue to research and diagnosis cases of child sexual abuse.