AboutJason Bhan Expertise Insights into and general advice on the diagnosis, management and care to children and adolescents with behavior disorders, mood disorders, drug addiction, or social adjustment disorders.
I will not give specific treatment recommendations or perform online consultations.
Experience I am a board certified Family Physician with a special interest in pediatric and adolescent health. I have experience with pediatric and adolescent mood disorders (including ADD, ADHD, depression, Autism, and Autism spectrum disorders.
Organizations American Medical Association
American Academy of Family Physicians
Education/Credentials MD - 2000
Board Certification ACFP (American College of Family Physicians) - 2003
Expert: Jason Bhan Date: 3/14/2008 Subject: DYFS-Sexual abuse
Question Hi. My name is Mariam. I am a 15 year old female. My question is not so much health-related but i think it is still something you will know. DYFS is Division of Youth and Family Services in New Jersey. They have scheduled psychological and physical evaluations. I have already gone through the psychological evaluation. What I am scared of is the physical evaluation. The case is investigating the sexual abuse I have experienced in the past five years. In the letter that was sent to me, it was written as an 'evaluation,' and not as an examination. I don't know what to expect. Was the physical evaluation scheduled as a result of the sexual abuse? I am scared and want to know what will happen at the appointment. I thank you in advance for taking you time to answer my question.
I appreciate it very much.
Regards,
Mariam
Answer First of all, never let anyone force you to do anything that you are uncomfortable with.
That being said, I am not in New Jersey and don't know about DYFS procedures. So let's talk a little about what your rights are and what your responsibilities are.
A physical evaluation can mean any number of things. I suspect you don't mind someone asking you basic health questions, looking in your ears, throat, etc. I will assume that the issue of concern here is a potential gynecologic exam. No one, not even the government can force you to have anything done that you don't want done - even though you are a minor (at least in VA, not sure about NJ). So understand that you may of course, refuse any part of the exam - even if they pressure you, or make you feel as though the investigation will fail because of it.
Now, as responsibility to yourself, if you have had sexual intercourse, consensual or not, you are at risk for a number of things. Cervical cancer, sexually transmitted diseases such as Herpes, HIV/AIDS, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Hepatitis, Syphilis and many others. You should be getting an annual Well Woman exam that includes a PAP smear and a test for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. You don't have to get it done right away, just soon.
This brings us to the last of your responsibilities. You should ask questions and listen to the responses. If they say they want to do something that you are uncomfortable with, you need to ask why. If the answer is in line with your goals of the investigation, then you have to consider the meaning of the exam. (I really can't think of the gynecologic exam being a necessity in any case that isn't a criminal sexual assault that happened within the last 48-72 hours. And lastly, feel free to request a chaperon (nurse or assistant, etc) in the room with you and the doctor or practitioner any time you have any clothing off (even if the doctor is a woman).
