Forensic sexual abuse examination

This article provides information on good practice in the interview, examination and collection of forensic samples when children/young people make complaints of having been sexually assaulted. It must be appreciated that those carrying out such examinations must have the necessary skills i.e. be able to carry out a full paediatric examination and appreciate the normal from abnormal when examining the genitalia. This requires a good knowledge of normal development from infancy to adolescence. They must appreciate the subtleties of taking forensic samples and how to process these in order to preserve evidence. They must be able to write a report and present evidence in court.