Norton Children’s Gynecology, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, is the only practice in Kentucky, Louisville and Southern Indiana dedicated to pediatric gynecological care. Our board-certified physicians are trained to treat the effects of childhood sexual abuse with the sensitivity that children, teens and parents need.

Care After Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse involves an adult engaging in sexual activity of any kind with a child or adolescent. It may also involve an adolescent engaging in such activity with a younger child. At Norton Children’s Gynecology, we provide medical and mental health assessments in cases where sexual abuse is suspected.

Signs and Symptoms

Children often don’t tell anyone about sexual abuse because they’re confused, afraid or ashamed. Any combination of the following could be warning signs of abuse:

• Redness, pain or bruising in the genital area
• Underwear that is torn or stained
• Difficulty sitting or walking
• Frequent urinary tract infections
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Pregnancy

In addition, the following behavioral or emotional signs may arise:

• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Clinginess
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Loss of appetite
• Lack of trust
• Bedwetting or loss of bowel control
• Running away
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Decline in school performance
• Age-inappropriate sexual interaction with peers

Treatment

Our team is trained to care for your child with compassion, treating both the physical and emotional trauma associated with sexual abuse.

Treatment typically begins with a medical history and physical exam. We may also test for sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy if warranted.

Mental health clinicians can meet with your family to discuss a counseling plan for your child.