Units / FOR5012
FOR5012 · Child and adolescent sexual abuse
2026 Handbook6 credit pointsLevel 5Forensic Medicine
Last checked: 23 Aug 2026 UTCOverview
Paediatric forensic medicine encompasses the medico-legal issues arising from the provision of a medical service to children. The unit will largely focus on the medical assessment of cases of suspected child sexual abuse. The aim of this unit is to develop your skills in the evaluation and management of children and adolescents suspected of being sexually abused. Integral to both evaluation and management will be a knowledge of the relevant legislation, policing and protective agencies, injury patterns, specialised investigative techniques and treatment.
Offerings
| Campus | Teaching period | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| University of the Philippines | Second semester | Some activities have a choice of on-campus or online teaching activities in a block period (FLX-BLK) |
| Southbank | Second semester | Some activities have a choice of on-campus or online teaching activities in a block period (FLX-BLK) |
Assessment
The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.
| # | Assessment | Type | Weight | Hurdle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Case Study (2000 words) | Written | 25% | Competency |
| 2 | Short Answer Questions (2000 words) | Written | 25% | Competency |
| 3 | Case Presentation (15 minutes) | Presentation | 20% | Competency |
| 4 | Essay (2400 words) | Written | 30% | Competency |
Assessment in this unit includes hurdle assessment tasks. Failure of any hurdle assessment task may result in failure of the unit.
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Requisites
The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.
Learning outcomes
- Evaluate the role of health practitioners in assessing cases of suspected child sexual abuse;
- Identify and explain sexual development and behaviour in children at different developmental stages;
- Analyse the ethical and legal issues relevant to cases of suspected child sexual abuse;
- Assess and compare normal genital anatomy and physiology, and interpret abnormal genital findings and pathological conditions;
- Apply medical and forensic principles to the evaluation, treatment and prevention of cases of suspected child sexual abuse;
- Distinguish how protective workers, lawyers and police contribute to the investigation of child sexual abuse;
- Recognise and assess the medical and legal implications of a sexually transmitted infection in a child.
Workload
It is expected that you will need to undertake approximately 12 hours of study per week over the semester. This will include contact time, private study, assessment tasks (case studies, assignments) and, where possible, involvement in casework. You are required to attend all workshops offered at the Department of Forensic Medicine during the semester.
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