Child Sex Abuse

This 1-hour CME/CE course provides an essential overview for healthcare professionals on recognizing, responding to, and reporting child sexual abuse in alignment with legal and ethical responsibilities across multiple U.S. states. Although the course highlights Delaware’s specific mandated reporter requirements, its broader focus ensures applicability for providers in states such as Pennsylvania, New York, Iowa, the District of Columbia, and Wisconsin, where mandatory reporting training is required.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of their roles and obligations as mandated reporters, including how to gather relevant history in a trauma-informed manner, when and how to initiate forensic evaluations, and where to report concerns of abuse or neglect. Real-world case examples and evidence-based strategies help clinicians identify key red flags and respond appropriately to suspected or confirmed child sexual abuse. The training also reinforces the importance of collaboration with social services, law enforcement, and child protection teams to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable pediatric populations.

Educational Objectives

• Describe the healthcare professional’s role and legal obligations as a mandated reporter.
• Recognize indicators of suspected or confirmed child sexual abuse requiring immediate reporting.
• Identify appropriate steps and resources for initiating a forensic examination of suspected victims.

Who Should Take This Course

This course is appropriate for:

• Physicians, Nurses, and Physician Assistants practicing in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Iowa, New York, the District of Columbia, and Wisconsin.
• Pediatricians, emergency medicine providers, school-based health professionals, and family medicine clinicians.
• Any healthcare professional involved in child and adolescent care settings or likely to encounter at-risk minors.
• Providers seeking to fulfill state-mandated child abuse and sexual abuse education requirements.

Did You Know?

• An estimated 1 in 10 children will experience sexual abuse before age 18. [CDC, 2022]
• Only 38% of child sexual abuse cases are identified by health or social service professionals. [RAINN]
• Mandated reporters are legally required to report suspected abuse, even without full confirmation. [US Dept. of Health & Human Services]
• Early identification and reporting significantly improve the likelihood of preventing further abuse.
• All 50 U.S. states have mandatory reporting laws for healthcare professionals.