Medical Check Up

Safe Shores - The D.C. Children’s Advocacy Center (DCCAC) believes that all children should be protected from every form of violence and receive appropriate medical and mental health treatment. These services should be delivered by a team of specialized professionals who treat the child victim with dignity, respect, and appreciation of his/her emotional and intellectual maturity. In addition, the DCCAC encourages non-offending family members to be an active part of this treatment process.

When is a Sexual Abuse Medical Check Up Needed?

Any child or adolescent who discloses sexual abuse needs a medical check up. Regardless of how long ago the assault occurred, it is important that child and adolescent victims receive a check up to ensure that they are healthy. It is also important that child and adolescent victims attend all follow up doctors' appointments.

What is a Sexual Abuse Medical Check Up?

A sexual abuse medical check up is a complete physical conducted by a physician or specially trained nurse experienced in all forms of child abuse. The doctor or nurse will meet with the child and caregiver to take a careful history and complete a physical exam. Tests may also be conducted to yield additional information or evidence. The child may be treated for injuries, sexually transmitted diseases (STD's), or other relevant medical problems. The examiner will discuss the results of the check up with the caregiver and age-appropriate child, and may schedule a follow-up appointment if necessary. In addition, the physician or nurse may communicate the results of the check up to the investigators as required by the laws of the District of Columbia.

When are Sexual Abuse Medical Check Ups Conducted?

Timely check ups are particularly important for sexual abuse that occurred within the past 72 hours. In these cases, the detective may provide a special kit to obtain evidence gathered from the exam, if appropriate. Medical check ups for child sexual abuse are not the same as exams performed by the gynecologist for women. They are specifically tailored to the nature of the allegation and sensitive to each child's emotional and physical state. So, please reassure your child. If you have any questions regarding medical check ups, the DCCAC staff is always willing to assist you in finding the right people to answer your questions.

What is the Best Way to Prepare for a Sexual Abuse Medical Check Up?

There is really nothing that you need to do to prepare for the check up. However, if the sexual abuse occurred within the past 72 hours, it is recommended that you do not bathe the child victim or brush the child's teeth until after the medical check up is completed. In addition, parents and caretakers are urged to talk with children and adolescents in advance of the check up to tell them in general terms what to expect and to answer any questions they might have. The detective or investigative social worker can assist a parent/caregiver with this information if needed. Caretakers may share information in the above printer-friendly brochure with their child or adolescent so s/he may know what to expect during the appointment. Parents and caretakers should be supportive and help calm any fears or anxieties that children or adolescents may express.

Scheduling a Sexual Abuse Medical Check Up

The DCCAC works closely with its multi-disciplinary partner, Children's National Medical Center (CNMC), to coordinate the scheduling of sexual abuse medical check ups for children seen for a forensic interview at the DCCAC. Parents or caregivers should call the Child and Adolescent Protection Center at CNMC to schedule an appointment for their child to receive this check up. The Child and Adolescent Protection Center specializes in helping families in these situations and performing medical check ups for children who have been victims of sexual abuse. Please call the Child and Adolescent Protection Center as soon as possible to schedule an appointment:

(202) 884-4950 or (202) 884-4100

CNMC accepts DC Kids, Medicaid and private insurance. If you apply for the Crime Victims Compensation Program, the cost of the check up that is not covered by your insurance company may be paid with funds through Crime Victims Compensation. Call (202) 879-4216 to apply.

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