Kentucky Child Sexual
Abuse Medical Protocol
and Resources
Below are up-to-date reference materials for medical providers who are treating children for concerns of abuse.
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Kentucky Medical Protocol for Child Sexual Assault/Abuse Evaluation
This protocol offers comprehensive recommendations for medical providers caring for children who present with concerns of sexual abuse or assault.
Kentucky Medical Protocol for Child/Adolescent Sexual Assault/Abuse Evaluation Flow Chart
This chart provides a clinical decision tool for evaluating pediatric/adolescent sexual assault/abuse.
Appendices for the Kentucky Medical Protocol for Child Sexual Assault/Abuse Evaluations
Appendix A - Tanner Stages Chart
Provides a chart of the Tanner stages of development (prepubertal to adult).
Appendix B - Strangulation References
Designed by the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, these illustrations depicts signs and symptoms of strangulation in both pediatric and teen patients.
The Strangulation Quick Reference Guide
The Strangulation Quick Reference Guide from Alliance for Hope and the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention provides guidance regarding questions to ask patients and documentation of injuries specific to strangulation.
Appendix C - Illustrations of Exam Positions and Techniques
This document, from the National Protocol for Sexual Abuse Medical Forensic Examinations – Pediatric, illustrates exam positions and techniques.
This document, illustrating clinical photography of genital findings techniques, was created by the KASAP Medical Protocol Work Group.
Appendix D - Diagrams of Genital Anatomy
Diagrams of pediatric male and female genital anatomy are from the National Protocol for Sexual Abuse Medical Forensic Examinations – Pediatric.
Appendix E - Types of hymens
This diagram, illustrating types of normal hymens, was created by the KASAP Medical Protocol Work Group.
Links to the references/resources discussed in the Medical Protocol
Statistics regarding child sexual abuse in Kentucky
The Children’s Bureau of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services publishes statistics annually on child abuse reports by state.
National Protocol for Pediatric Sexual Medical Forensic Examinations
This National Protocol for Sexual Abuse Medical Forensic – Pediatric is intended to be a guide for health care providers who conduct sexual abuse medical forensic examinations of prepubescent children, as well as other professionals and agencies/facilities involved in an initial community response to child sexual abuse.
Map of local advocacy agencies
Kentucky is served by regional sexual assault programs. Each program provides advocates to respond to victims at hospitals. This map includes contact information for each program.
Physical Examination and Evidence Collection Resources
TEN-4 Bruising and TEN-4-FACESp Mnemonics
The TEN-4 Bruising and TEN-4-FACESp Mnemonics assist in identifying bruising that is suspicious for child abuse in infants and preschoolers/young children.
Interpretation of Medical Findings in Suspected Child Sexual Abuse Reference Article:
This peer-reviewed article discusses the interpretation of medical findings in suspected child sexual abuse.
Substances tested for by the KY state crime lab when a toxicology kit is submitted can be found here
HIV Nonoccupational exposure and nonoccupational exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) information
Medical Protocol HIV nPEP Chart
This chart, created by the Kentucky Medical Protocol Subcommittee of the Sexual Assault Advisory Committee, provides a clinical decision tool for evaluation pediatric/ adolescent sexual assault/abuse patients with potential HIV exposure.
The probability of acquiring HIV from an infected source, by exposure act is discussed on this CDC website:
Detailed information and training about risk factors for HIV acquisition and nPEP can be found at this website:
Resources for providers of HIV nPEP can be found at this website (CDC):
HIV information from the National Clinician Consultation Center can be found here.
Assistance with PEP-related decisions can be obtained by calling the National Clinician's Post Exposure Prophylaxis Hotline (PEP Line 888-448-4911).
Non-Occupational Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (nPEP) Toolkit
AIDS Education and Training Center Program website resources provide step-by-step instructions for the medical care of persons following possible sexual HIV exposure. (Includes nPEP information, medication assistance postcard.)
HIV nPEP Vouchers
Vouchers may be available to assist with the cost of nPEP through the Kentucky Office of Claims and Appeals website (kycc.ky.gov) Sexual Assault Exam Program.
STI Information
CDC’s Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Treatment Guidelines, 2021
provides current evidence-based prevention, diagnostic and treatment recommendations.
Discharge Planning
Contact information for board certified child abuse pediatric specialists in Kentucky
Statewide Coverage Map of Children’s Advocacy Centers
Kentucky is served by a network of 15 regional children’s advocacy centers, providing coordinated care for abused children. Find the contact information for each CAC here.
Sample Discharge Form
This is a sample discharge form providing a non-offending caregiver with information about the exam and any anticipated follow-up needs or services.
Ampersand Sexual Assault Survivors Resource Guide
Provides survivors with information about their rights and resources, with some resources focused on the central Kentucky area.
Comprehensive Bibliography
This document provides the references used in development of the medical protocol.
To report child abuse or neglect in Kentucky please call: 877. 597. 2331 or 877.KYSAFE1.
For more information about reporting abuse in Kentucky visit: Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
CAC Kentucky does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.