Sexual assault documentation program.

Since 2001, the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner has collaborated with Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center Violence Intervention Program and their Sexual Assault Center. The partnership was established at the suggestion of the district attorney's office to enhance the clinical recognition of sexual assault in the medical examiner's office using the extensive experience of experts in the field of sexual assault. As of December 2008, over 5 dozen victims of sexual assault have been evaluated with this collaboration.

Children referred for possible sexual abuse: medical findings in 2384 children.

Objective: The goal of this study was to compare rates of positive medical findings in a 5-year prospective study of 2384 children, referred for evaluation of possible sexual abuse, with two decades of research. The prospective study summarizes demographic information, clinical history, relationship of perpetrators, nature of abuse, and clinical findings. The study reports on the results by patterns of referral and the medical examination.

Appearance of the genitalia in girls selected for nonabuse: review of hymenal morphology and nonspecific findings.

Study Objective: To review all existing studies of genital anatomy in girls selected for nonabuse, clarify terminology used to describe hymenal morphology and nonspecific findings, and test consensus terminology in the reevaluation of hymenal morphology and nonspecific findings in 147 premenarchal girls selected for nonabuse.

Methods: Over six months, the authors identified and evaluated 147 premenarchal girls without history of sexual abuse who were referred for gynecological examination. Parents and patients were screened for possible abuse or significant past medical or behavioral history, and each girl was interviewed and then received a complete examination including a genital examination documented by colposcopy with both 35 mm camera and video capabilities.