Sexual Assault

Sexual Assault: Quick Reference provides the information to help caring professionals recognise children who have been assaulted, identify those children at high risk for assault, and realize strategies for preventing and intervening in abuse situations in an easy-to-retrieve format. This book is written by experts in the various fields that deal with sexual assault: pediatricians, psychologists, emergency room physicians, law enforcement personnel, social workers, and attorneys. Each has dealt with cases of sexual assault in children and has formulated approaches that are presented here. The chapters emphasise what to look for and what steps are to be taken.This book is especially valuable to medical students, general practitioners, pediatricians, nurses, EMTs, radiologists, psychiatrists, hospital emergency room personnel, pathologists, funeral directors, social service personnel, judges, law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and other professionals who work with children or sexual assault victims of any age. Sexual assault is often considered a problem only affecting women who are college age or older. As our awareness of cases has grown, we have seen that this phenomenon often is directed at children and crosses all gender, social, ethnic, religious, and cultural lines. It is, therefore, necessary that all practitioners dealing with the treatment of children be aware of the signs and symptoms of sexual assault and be able to respond effectively. Up to this time, no source has been available to present the physical, behavioural, and emotional signs of child abuse in a quick reference for use by physicians. This book fills that need.* Clearly describes what is and what is not sexual assault.* Step-by-step outline of procedures.* Presents detailed case histories to illustrate sexual assault situations, and shows effective interventions.* Outlines the characteristics of the perpetrator, as well as those of victims.* Provides a reference for identifying assaulted children, thereby helping to avoid missed diagnoses.* Presents the characteristic findings so that the child maltreatment team can more easily evaluate these situations and plan interventions.* Introduces the reader to the effects of sexual assault on the child's body and mind.