Nonoffending Guardian Assessment of Hospital-Based Sexual Abuse/Assault Services for Children.

Janice Du Mont, Sheila Macdonald, Daisy Kosa, Tanya Smith
Author Information
  1. Janice Du Mont: Case Report Editor: Dr. Brian McKenna, Auckland University of Technology, brian.mckenna@aut.ac.nz. Author Affiliations: 1Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital; 2Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; 3Ontario Network of Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatments Centres; and 4The Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) Program, SickKids Hospital.

Abstract

In circumstances in which child sexual abuse/assault is suspected, pediatric guidelines recommend referral to services such as multidisciplinary hospital-based violence treatment centers, for specialized medical treatment, forensic documentation, and counseling. As little is known about how such services are perceived, the objective of this case report was to measure the satisfaction of nonoffending guardians of child sexual abuse/assault victims who presented for care at Ontario's hospital-based sexual assault treatment centers. Of the 1,136 individuals who reported sexual abuse/assault and were enrolled in a province-wide service evaluation, 58 were 11 years old and younger. Thirty-three guardians completed a survey. Ratings of care were overwhelmingly positive, with 97% of respondents indicating that they would recommend these services. Nonetheless, it is important to evaluate these pediatric sexual assault services frequently to ensure ongoing optimal, family-centered care.

MeSH Term

Child
Child Abuse, Sexual
Child Welfare
Child, Preschool
Crime Victims
Female
Humans
Legal Guardians
Male
Ontario
Patient Satisfaction

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