Priest Abuse Maine

Role of Physicians in Delivering Treatment for Abuse Victims


Sexual abuse in children is known as a nationwide issue, and statistics prove that around 25% of young children experience this manner of abuse before age 18. Sad to say, sexual abuse isn't necessarily readily evident, even to the properly trained eye of a physician, and a huge number of victims do not make known they've been abused until well into their their adult years.

Priest Abuse Maine

Pediatric medical professionals perform a significant role in the reporting, investigation, and treating child sexual abuse. Sometimes, the child can come to them to get an evaluation based on suspicion of neglect along with concern from the health professional. If a father or mother or guardian alludes to fears in relation to sex abuse of a kid, it is important that the medical professional does not go over these worries in front of the child at issue, as parental influence might have an effect on a child’s frank disclosure.


As soon as child sex abuse becomes a consideration, whether during an examination or at disclosure of the child or parent, the medical doctor will need to deal with many factors:

Priest Abuse Maine

• The Security of the Child: The protection of a kid that may be sexually abused is of the utmost importance. The doctor must examine the claims of the abuse using an open mind, and determine if the atmosphere that the boy or girl is within remains safe and secure for them to return to. If it is not, the medical professional will have to immediately get child services or law enforcement engaged to safeguard the child’s well-being.


• Proper Reporting: Physicians and all medical personnel are required reporters, meaning that they're required by law to record reputable suspicions and disclosures of abuse to the authorities. Sadly, many medical doctors may fear the backlashes on the family and/or their medical practice for reporting abuse. To guarantee that physicians are fully guarded when reporting cases of child abuse, U.S. law guards them from liability as long as the report is done in good faith. Regardless of the concerns from the physician, all abuse suspicion must be immediately reported, as the child’s needs are paramount.


• The Mental Well-Being of the Child: Sexual abuse is very traumatizing to a boy or girl, both mentally and physically. More often than not, abusers tend to be well-known to the child or may possibly be a primary care provider. There may be severe stress and anxiety for any child when it comes to reporting sexual abuse and the physician plays a crucial role in making certain the child has got the emotional health aid they need to have.

Priest Abuse Maine

• Physical Exams: You'll find physical indicators of trauma in only a modest percentage of child sexual abuse victims. However, when the abuse took place recently, a physical assessment is necessary. If the doctor suspects that abuse has happened within the last 72 hours and that bodily fluids were swapped, the boy or girl must be transported to an emergency department for evaluation using a forensic evidence kit, or “rape kit”. This kind of examination needs specialized training by pros and must be performed within a medical location.

Priest Abuse Maine

Most importantly, a physician is responsible for acting in a child’s best interests. Possessing an open mind in the interview process, stating suspicions promptly, and making sure that the little one is protected are crucial to the doctor’s role in taking care of a sexually abused child.





Call Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 for a Free, Confidential Consultation.  No Legal Fees Unless You Receive Settlement. 

Priest Sex Abuse Lawyer 

Priest Abuse Maine - Free Confidential Consultation - 1-866-777-2557

Call Today: 1-866-777-2557

Were You Abused?

Priest Abuse Maine - Priest Sex Abuse Lawyer ME


Were you sexually abused as a child by a priest, deacon or any other member of the Church?  You are not aloneWe are here to help abuse survivors.  Stand up against your abuser and help prevent this from happening to someone else.  Contact Vanderhyde Law today for a free case review.  Please fill out our confidential online contact form or call Toll Free 1-866-777-2557 and a Maine Abuse Lawyer will get back to you within 24 hours to answer any of your questions.   This is a free consultation.  Making the call is sometimes the hardest step, but it is often a necessary step on the road to healing.  Priest Abuse Maine