Re: sexual abuse and medical exams

["Michael Lamb" <lambm@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>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@xxxxxxxx

you should review the special issue of child abuse and neglect, june 
1998, for a series of articles that should be of great value to you.

michael lamb

Michael E. Lamb PhD
Head, Section on Social and Emotional Development
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
9190 Rockville Pike
Bethesda MD 20892  USA

Phone:  301-496-0420
Fax:    301-480-5775
E-mail: Michael_Lamb@xxxxxxx