Sexual abuse

This chapter presents the basic aspects of forensic interest of the issue of child and adult abuse. The clinical examination is a crucial step in the multidisciplinary approach to the victim which includes clinical, psychological and social assistance. One should never forget that the clinical examination represents the first contact between the patient and the physicians and that special needs of the patient should be respected. After the clinical examination, sampling of biological materials may be requested. An important point is the timing of the examination. Child sexual abuse is and should usually be ascertained not only through the medical examination but also through psychological and social assessment. Sexually transmitted infections bring about relevant consequences, both from the clinical and forensic point of view. Intoxication may be used by an aggressor in order to reduce the defences of the victim during sexual abuse