Care of the adolescent sexual assault victim

Sexual assault is a broad-based term that encompasses a wide range of sexua l victimizations, including rape. Since the American Academy of Pediatrics published its last policy statement on this topic in 1994, additional infor mation and data have emerged about sexual assault and rape in adolescents, the adolescent's perception of sexual assault, and the treatment and manage ment of the adolescent who has been a victim of sexual assault. This new in formation mandates an updated knowledge base for pediatricians who care for adolescent patients. This statement provides that update, focusing on sexu al assault and rape in the adolescent population.