Child Sexual Assault: Significance of No Physical Findings

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Questions and Answers

What may some professionals, investigators, and lay people wrongly conclude about a child's history if there are no physical findings of sexual assault?

The child is lying about the assault.

The child is telling the truth about the assault.

The child's history is not accurate. (correct)

The child needs further medical examination.

What is an important consideration for professionals in understanding clinical evidence of sexual abuse?

A lack of physical findings is expected. (correct)

A lack of physical findings is rare.

A lack of physical findings is always indicative of abuse.

A lack of physical findings is never indicative of abuse.

What is Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) classified as?

A form of child abuse or elder abuse. (correct)

A form of child protection.

A form of physical health problem.

A form of mental health problem.

Which of the following is NOT a category of neglect according to RSMo Chapter 210 definition?

Discipline Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect to focus on when there is a lack of physical findings in a child sexual abuse case?

The importance of the child's history. Signup and view all the answers

What may occur in cases of child sexual abuse according to the study?

There will be few if any clinical findings. Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of food storage in a childcare setting?

Storing food in a clean and organized manner Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to supervise small children?

To prevent injuries during potentially dangerous activities Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of medical care for children?

Ensuring they receive proper immunizations Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of nurturance for children?

Showing them affection and reassurance Signup and view all the answers

What is a sign that a child may be at risk for sexual exploitation or cybercrimes?

Receiving gifts from unknown individuals Signup and view all the answers

What is a tip for keeping kids safer on the Internet?

Educating them about Internet perils Signup and view all the answers

What is an important step in the initial investigation of a reported or suspected child abuse or neglect?

Notifying other services when appropriate or available Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended that the initial investigating officer not interview children in sexual assault situations?

Because they may be influenced by the interviewer Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of preliminary interviews in child abuse and neglect investigations?

To get an idea of the circumstances and determine immediate safety concerns Signup and view all the answers

What is an important aspect of the Child Abuse and Neglect Review Committee?

Using caution when interviewing children to avoid influencing their recall Signup and view all the answers

When interviewing children, it is recommended to use what type of language?

Age and mental capability appropriate Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for interviewing children alone?

To get a more accurate story Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to be sensitive to a child's level of development during an interview?

To ensure they understand the questions Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when interviewing children?

Leading questions and judgmental tone Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Child Protective Order?

To provide relief to the child Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of law enforcement in relation to a Child Protective Order?

To arrest the respondent if they violate the order Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between accidental and purposeful disclosure?

Purposeful disclosure is more common in adolescents Signup and view all the answers

What is the common misconception about child sexual abuse disclosure?

Children are capable of immediate active disclosure Signup and view all the answers

What is the first stage of disclosure in child sexual abuse?

Denial Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to recognize the stages of disclosure in child sexual abuse?

To encourage more effective case management and intervention Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of children moved directly to active disclosure after denying abuse?

7% Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of tentative disclosure where a child says the abuse happened to someone else?

Distancing Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of children recanted their allegations of abuse?

22% Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the State Technical Assistance Team (STAT)?

To facilitate cooperation and coordination among professional organizations Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the hotline for reporting child abuse and neglect in Missouri?

Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the organization that provides education for public and law enforcement on child pornography and internet safety?

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Missouri Network of Child Advocacy Centers?

To provide forensic interviews and recording services Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of children who recanted their allegations later reaffirmed the original complaint of abuse?

93% Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the law that outlines the definitions related to child protection and reformation?

Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 210 Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of active disclosure where a child gives a detailed, coherent, first-person account of the abuse?

Active Disclosure Signup and view all the answers

Who can take temporary protective custody of a child without parental consent?

A police officer, law enforcement official, or physician Signup and view all the answers

Why may a police officer, law enforcement official, or physician take temporary protective custody of a child?

To protect the child from imminent danger of serious physical harm or threat to life Signup and view all the answers

What must a person who takes a child into protective custody do immediately?

Notify the juvenile officer of the court and make a reasonable attempt to advise the parents or guardians Signup and view all the answers

How long can a child be held in temporary protective custody without a court order?

24 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a written statement filed with the juvenile officer?

To set forth the identity of the child and the facts and circumstances that gave reasonable cause to believe there was imminent danger Signup and view all the answers

What is not a suitable placement for a child in temporary protective custody?

A secure detention facility Signup and view all the answers

What is considered as abuse under the Missouri Revised State Statute?

Any physical injury, sexual abuse, or emotional abuse inflicted on a child Signup and view all the answers

Who is considered a 'child' under the Missouri Revised State Statute?

Any person under the age of 18 Signup and view all the answers

What is neglect under the Missouri Revised State Statute?

Failure to provide necessary care and support Signup and view all the answers

Who is required to report suspected abuse or neglect under the Missouri Revised State Statute?

Any person with responsibility for the care of children Signup and view all the answers

What must a person with responsibility for the care of children do if they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect?

Report the suspicion to the division Signup and view all the answers

What must a medical examiner or coroner do if they determine that a child's death was due to natural causes?

Notify the attending physician to sign the death certificate Signup and view all the answers

Who may take a child into protective custody under Missouri Revised State Statute?

A police officer, law enforcement official, or a physician Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the child fatality review panel?

To investigate and report on child deaths Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances may a police officer or law enforcement official request that a juvenile officer take a child into protective custody?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the requirement for reporting a child's death under the Missouri Revised State Statute?

If the child died under the age of 18 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Medical Examination of Children Alleging Sexual Assault

A lack of physical findings is expected in most cases of child sexual abuse
Medical, legal, and social professionals should understand that a lack of diagnostic clinical findings is the norm
This understanding should help focus attention on the importance of the child's history

Parental Responsibilities and Child Neglect Cases

Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP) is a form of child abuse where a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in a child
Areas of neglect include:
- Food (storage, quality, availability)
- Clothing (cleanliness, appropriateness)
- Shelter (code violations, cleanliness, safety hazards)
- Supervision (leaving children alone, inadequate care)
- Medical/surgical care (immunizations, treatment of illness/injury)
- Nurturance (hygiene, emotional support)
- Teaching/education (providing education, moral guidance)

Investigating Child Abuse and Neglect

Initial officer response:
- Ensure victim safety
- Notify other services when appropriate
Investigative procedures:
- Interview options (victim, witnesses, suspects)
- Evidence collection and protection
- Documentation of all statements and observations
- Referrals and arrests (if necessary)

Interviewing Child Witnesses and Victims of Sexual Abuse

Considerations for interviewing children:
- Be sensitive to the child's level of development
- Be flexible and objective
- Use age-appropriate language
- Avoid leading questions
- Create a non-judgmental atmosphere
Phases of disclosure:
1. Denial
2. Tentative disclosure ( uncertain, hesitant, or partial disclosure)
3. Active disclosure (detailed, coherent account of abuse)
4. Recanting (denying previous allegations)
5. Reaffirming (reiterating original allegations)

Child Protective Orders and Law Enforcement

Child Protective Orders can be sought under sections 455.500 to 455.538
Law enforcement officers have the authority to arrest respondents who violate protective orders
Role of Law Enforcement in Child Protective Orders:
- Enforcing protective orders
- Investigating reports of abuse
- Providing safety for victims and witnesses

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Description

This quiz discusses the importance of understanding that the absence of physical evidence does not necessarily contradict a child's allegation of sexual assault. It highlights the misconception that a lack of physical findings indicates an inaccurate report.