This issue is a very important one for discussion in your community. It is vital that they receive such training to avoid the problems outlined in the victim s mother's statement. There are alternatives to performing a physical exam on a screaming, traumatized child and, in the process, retraumatizing the child. Such alternatives can include, when medically indicated, sedating a child victim. However, physicians who have not received specialized training in performing child sexual abuse exams may be unaware of the available alternatives.
Jurisdictional issues can cause confusion among service providers and community members.
Discussions aimed at clarifying jurisdictional confusion may be very helpful. Does the audience know which agencies have jurisdiction in child sexual abuse cases in the areas of law enforcement, child protection, and judicial services, including how these jurisdictional concerns are influenced by factors such as whether the perpetrator is an Indian or non-Indian, where the abuse occurred, the existing tribal codes, etc. It is crucial that everyone clearly understands these issues. The video includes a list of behavioral symptoms which indicate child sexual abuse. This information is vitally important.