A 5-year-old girl was referred from pediatric dept for evaluation of possible child abuse (sexual abuse in particular). Such a possibility occurred to the consulting pediatrician since this girl was having repeated episodes of gluteal abscess and abscess and induration around her inner aspects of the thigh which were recurring even after proper m/m. A previous HPE of the pus and surrounding tissue from the abscess revealed granulomatous inflammation and the pathologist suspected possible introduction of a foreign body in the ulcers. In the psychiatry OPD, the child was accompanied by her mother who appears to know of no such possibility of child abuse to her daughter.
History revealed that the girl's father often takes her to his workplace that is far from their home. How to assess for possible child abuse including child sexual abuse in particular. How to start assessing this crucial,…
