The pediatrician is generally taught that his or her role is that of child advocate. This advocacy role is particularly evident in cases of abuse where the child's normal support system involving parents is remiss. The physician who has an ongoing relationship with a family may find it difficult to assume an advocacy role. Reactions of anger and hostility are relatively common among pediatricians toward perpetrators of both physical and sexual abuse. Like the therapist, the physician may need to develop an empathic relationship without reinforcing the offender's denial. The physician should also need deal with his or her own feelings of abuse and should receive adequate training in human sexuality and sexual abuse. The key is for both the physician and the therapist to be aware of their own personal biases and to normalize emotionally uncomfortable feelings when they occur.