Child Protection Investigation Specialist (CPIS) Practice Exam

True or False: Medical exams in sexual abuse cases often result in negative or normal findings.

1. True

2. False

3. Only sometimes

4. Rarely

The correct answer is: True

In the context of sexual abuse cases, it is indeed true that medical exams often yield negative or normal findings. This outcome can occur for several reasons. First, sexual abuse might not always leave physical injuries or trauma that are detectable through a medical examination. Many victims may not present signs of physical harm, especially in cases of non-violent sexual assault or if the abuse occurred long before the examination. Furthermore, the body can heal from injuries over time, resulting in normal findings at the time of evaluation. Additionally, a patient's psychological and emotional experiences from abuse do not always manifest physically, which is another factor that can lead to negative exam results while the trauma still exists. Understanding this aspect of medical examinations in the context of sexual abuse is vital for practitioners. It underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach in investigations, emphasizing the need for thorough interviews and psychological assessments alongside medical evaluations to ensure a holistic understanding of the victim's experience.