Parents' perceptions of the value of sexual abuse medical evaluations of their children

Most sexual abuse medical examinations reveal no abnormalities. This study's objective was to assess the value of a “certification of normalcy” for parents whose children had/didn't have abuse evaluations. Two questionnaires were developed for administration to guardians of sexually abused children enrolling in a specialized outpatient mental health program. On the questionnaire given to 42 parents whose children had received medical evaluations, caregivers commonly endorsed prior concerns about injuries, infections, genital penetration, and proof of sexual assault. 74% rated the examinations as helpful to them and 41% of caregivers believed knowledge of the results was helpful for their children age seven or older. 76% of guardians indicated they would obtain examinations if events were recreated. The questionnaire given to 47 parents of non-examined children revealed less concern about injury, infection and signs of penetration. However, 28% of these caregivers indicated they would obtain examinations if events were recreated. Study results support a belief that sexual abuse medical evaluations have value to many parents.