sexual abuse and medical exams

[Michelle Kessler <kessler1@xxxxxxxx>]

I am looking for any literature that discusses when it is appropriate to
seek a medical exam for a child who allegedly has been sexually abused.
Some example questions I am looking to answer are:  Should every child
(alleging sexual abuse) be medically examined?  If not, what are the
indicators that an exam should be done?  And, in light of the fact that
physical symptoms of abuse disappear, is there a period of time after which
it is not beneficial to do a medical exam?

Any literature relating to these questions, as well as your own input on
the topic would be helpful.

Thank you,
Michelle Kessler
kessler1@uiuc.edu