Sexual precocity in girls. An association with sexual abuse?

Journal Article (Journal Article)

The development of secondary sexual characteristics before 8 years of age in girls is uncommon and little is known of its epidemiology. In a retrospective study of a population of 105 girls 10 years old and younger who were victims of confirmed or suspected sexual abuse, we found a one in 15 prevalence of early development (before 8 years of age) of one or more secondary sexual characteristics. We speculate on possible associations between early development of secondary sexual characteristics and sexual abuse. The data suggest that further research explore this possible association.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Herman-Giddens, ME; Sandler, AD; Friedman, NE

Published Date

  • April 1, 1988

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 142 / 4

Start / End Page

  • 431 - 433

PubMed ID

  • 3348186

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0002-922X

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1001/archpedi.1988.02150040085025

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States