Pediatric Sexual Abuse Medical Examination

The Sex Abuse Treatment Center provides medical examinations for children and adolescents up to age 18 to evaluate sexual trauma and provide medical treatment, if more than 120 hours has passed since the abuse. If you’re aware of a child or adolescent who has been assaulted and it’s within 120 hours of the assault, please refer to the SATC Medical Forensic Examination.

 

1. This exam is by appointment only. Call the SATC office to schedule an appointment at 808-535-7600 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
2. Exams are conducted at the Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children at 1319 Punahou Street. Please check in with admissions and you will be met by a crisis counselor.
3. Crisis Counseling is available during the examination.
4. Suspected cases of child sexual abuse by a family and/or household member should first be reported to the Department of Human Services-Child Welfare Services (DHS-CWS) at 808-832-5300. If the case is accepted for investigation, DHS-CWS can refer the child to SATC for an exam.
5. Suspected cases of child trafficking or sexual exploitation of a minor should be reported to Department of Human Services-Child Welfare Services (DHS-CWS) at 808-832-1999
6. Information shared with SATC is held confidential unless disclosure is required by law.
7. There is NO CHARGE for the examination.

 

What will happen at Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women & Children for the Pediatric Sexual Abuse Medical Examination?

After checking in at admissions you will be met by a SATC crisis worker. If you’re a parent or legal guardian you will sign consent forms for treatment. A SATC crisis worker will be there to assist during the exam and provide counseling to the young person as well as any family or support persons present.

Feel free to talk with your crisis worker about any feelings about the sexual abuse and ask any questions about any medical procedures. This SATC crisis worker can also assist with questions about reporting to the police.

 

What is included in the Pediatric Sexual Abuse Medical Examination?

The Pediatric Sexual Abuse Medical Examination will be performed by a SATC physician. This doctor is trained to provide medical care that is specialized for young victims of sexual assault and abuse. The exam is done in a room set up for the specialized medical exam.

First, the doctor will gather the young person's medical history. Next, depending on the age of the young person, the doctor will ask about the sexual abuse incident and the specific sexual acts that occurred. A parent who is present may also be asked questions if the sexual assault was described to this parent. These questions help with medical treatment and document the incident for legal purposes.

During the physical exam, the doctor will check for external physical injuries and examine the young person's genital area for trauma. The doctor may take photos for medical evaluation and to document injuries. In addition there will be an evaluation for sexually transmitted infections and, if necessary, treatment will be provided.

Once the examination is completed, the doctor will discuss the results of the exam and provide recommendations for follow-up medical care. Testing and treatment for HIV is not done as a standard part of the pediatric sexual abuse examination. If the young person is considered high risk for infection, the doctor will discuss available options and testing.  

Counseling is an important follow-up service after the sexual abuse exam. The SATC offers therapy to any victim or family member.