These researchers determined that 804 medical assessments for child and adolescent sexual abuse (children aged 0 to 16) were performed over 12 months (July 1 2006 to June 30 2007) throughout NZ. CYF received 73,326 notifications; 46,776 required further action (investigation). Child protective services regarded 1207 cases as substantiated, and 1434 claims for mental injury were lodged. CYF was involved in 628 of the 804 cases seen for medical assessment. In the matched Auckland cohort, CYF substantiated 162 of the 317 cases of sexual abuse in Auckland that year. However, CYF substantiated 418 cases of sexual abuse in Auckland that year. Therefore, only 162/418 (38%) were medically assessed. A doctor with expertise in the assessment of sexual abuse was available in most areas, but service structure varied widely. The availability of nurse or social work support was poor. The proportion of children and adolescents receiving a medical assessment, and the quality of service structure, was directly related to regional population.
