Forensic medical examinations: The body as gateway to healing after child sexual abuse

Despite consensus that the forensic medical examination is an integral component to a comprehensive response to child sexual abuse (CSA), concerns have been expressed about the impact of these examinations on children and young people. A small-scale survey was conducted with a group of CSA professionals (n = 19), followed by semi-structured interviews with six adolescents, accessed through CSA specialist units in Ireland. While concerns were expressed about the examination, overall, professionals were in favour of it as part of a holistic therapeutic response to CSA. Five themes were identified from the interviews with adolescents: the experience of the examination as an imposition, the unknown nature of the examination, the focus on the body itself, feeling exposed and having a say. Findings highlight how a trauma-informed approach, with emphasis on information sharing and supporting the autonomy of the young person's voice and choice throughout the process, could provide a transformative experience for young people, helping them integrate their psychological and physical sense of themselves. The forensic medical examination can facilitate the healing and recovery process by bringing into awareness many of the anxieties that, due to shame or inability to tolerate associated emotional pain, remain unspoken and unspeakable following CSA.

Automated summary

Despite concerns about the impact of forensic medical examinations on children and young people, professionals and adolescents involved in the study generally support these examinations as part of a holistic therapeutic response to child sexual abuse. The study identifies themes related to the experience of the examination, such as imposition, unknown nature, focus on the body, feeling exposed, and having a say. The findings highlight the importance of a trauma-informed approach, which emphasizes information sharing and supporting the autonomy of the young person throughout the process.