The doctor as a key figure in observing and helping children who were victims of sexual abuse in the family

Pediatricians and family doctors play an important role in locating and diagnosing children at risk, particularly children who are subject to sexual abuse and exploitation at the hands of family members. This paper discusses the importance of this outside assistance; as such children are often dependent on the very person who is abusing them. The article presents disturbing findings from previous research, showing that doctors who have suspicions that such abuse is taking place do not always report their suspicions to the authorities. This paper reviews the range of this phenomenon and spells out the difficulty of studying the subject. Details are provided of the severe effects of familial sexual abuse on children, both in the short term and in the long term. The physical symptoms and other problems of the victims are described, emphasizing the responsibility of doctors who come into contact with children and youngsters to be aware of this possibility and actively search for cases of sexual exploitation. The article also discusses aspects of treatment, advising doctors who encounter this problem on ways of dealing with it.