Medical Exams

Medical evaluations are scheduled by law enforcement when there is reason to believe that your child has been sexually abused. A medical evaluation is an important step in assuring that he/she is healthy, both physically and mentally. 

  • A Forensic Nurse Examiner with advanced training in child abuse will examine your child.

  • Acute Sexual Assault Nurse Exams are requested by law enforcement when sexual contact has occurred within the past 120 hours and are conducted at The Children’s Hospital 

  • CAST~CAC provides Non-Acute Sexual Assault Nursing Exams on site at our headquarters location.

  • Non-Acute Sexual Assault Nurse Exams (SANE) are requested by law enforcement when sexual contact has taken place outside of 120 hours.

 

FAQs

Will a medical evaluation hurt my child?

No. The child’s well-being is priority in a child sexual abuse medical evaluation, and in most cases, the exam will not hurt. In some cases, however, a blood draw may be necessary to ensure that your child is healthy.

Will the medical evaluation be upsetting for my child?

-In most cases, No. Nurses who conduct child abuse medical exams receive special training on how to conduct the exam in a child-sensitive manner that minimizes discomfort to the child.

Is a child sexual abuse medical evaluation similar to a woman’s pelvic exam?

No. In medical evaluations of young children, the nurse will only conduct a visual exam of the child’s genital area, and nothing will be placed inside of the child. For teenage girls, the exam may be more similar to a well-woman exam so that the doctor or nurse can thoroughly assess the teenager’s health.

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