부산대학교 도서관

Sadly, the views of children are often lacking in evaluations of professional interventions undertaken on their behalf, and in this, the sexual abuse medical examination is no exception. In this commentary, I would like to consider some of our findings alongside those of Allard-Dansereau and colleagues, and present a number of conclusions which draw on our joint efforts. In our study, the 19 children in our sample who had been medically examined rated the examination as acceptable, slightly unpleasant or very unpleasant. The comments of the children in our study suggest that explanation serves to protect against fear. As Allard-Dansereau and colleagues point out, reassurance is an important function of the medical examination, and this is reflected in their study, where 62% of mothers stated that the examination provided reassurance about physical integrity. Another issue raised by the children concerned the possible collection of forensic evidence. In England, Wales and Scotland, professionals have for more than a decade practised a policy of working together in responding to the abuse and neglect of children and in protecting them from future ill-treatment. The medical examination is a very important aspect of this work and it is vital that it is carried out in a manner which best serves the interests of the child.