This applies to all children/young people under 16 years old and those 16-18 years who are considered vulnerable, engaging in sexual activity. Getting this right is immensely challenging, as it is impossible to cover all variables influencing decision making within this guidance, further more you need to carefully weight the often conlicting needs of the child. (Involve seniors early if you have any doubts) Read more
Category: Paeds-Safeguard
Rape & Sexual Assault
Don’t
Preform intimate examinations on Sexual assault/Rape patients
- Unless life-threatening injuries are suspected e.g Haemorrhage.
- As our examination will inevitably destroy evidence that may aid this patient’s case
Do’s
- Consider contamination injury (HIV, HepB, HepC) – Guide
- Consider emergency contraception
- Children must have police referral for safeguarding
- Refer to The Sexual Assault Referral Centre, either via Police or Self referral
Injuries in Non-Mobile Children
Unfortunately under 1 year olds are at a higher risk of NAI and this needs to be considered in ALL presentations. But remember if the child can’t Crawl/Stand/Cruise/Walk they shouldn’t injure themselves.
