Timing of the Medical Examination
The medical exam should be conducted according to the following criteria:
Same-Day Evaluation | Evaluation Within a Few Days | Evaluation Within a Few Weeks
Same-Day Evaluation
- The child should be seen as soon as possible if the abuse occurred within the past 72 hours. The likelihood of recovering forensic material decreases with passing time. The child should not bathe or change clothing prior to the examination.
- The child is in pain, is bleeding, or is having other serious physical symptoms.
- The child is suicidal or threatening to harm him / herself.
- The child was assaulted / abused within the last 72 hours by a perpetrator with HIV or hepatitis.
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Evaluation Within a Few Days
- The child is having less serious symptoms such as discharge, pain with urination, or itching.
- The child or family is unwilling to wait because of anxiety, stress or other reasons.
- The child could be pregnant as a result of the abuse.
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Evaluation Within a Few Weeks
- Exclusion of the above indications.
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Appointments
An appointment for children who disclose sexual abuse in the Greater Cincinnati area can be arranged by calling the Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati Social Services Department, 513-636-4711. A social worker will arrange a medical exam to provide the child medical and psychological treatment, as well as to conduct a forensic evaluation. Parents or others who suspect sexual abuse should contact their child's physician or call 513-241-KIDS.
