Medical evaluation of the abused child received little emphasis 20 years ago. Currently, photographic documentation through the use of the colposcope has become accepted as the standard of care in most centers. However, the child's history was often forgotten as the medical findings gained greater importance. Nevertheless, the history from the child continues to be the most important part of any evaluation. The past 10 years has resulted in an increasing consensus on best practice, which includes both history and medical diagnosis. Medical professionals have important roles in the evaluation, intervention, and healing of the child. Medical professionals help when they practice as part of a team and promote an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. However, making a medical diagnosis of abuse when it has not occurred hurts the child and family, results in the separation of children from families, and creates backlash and fear in the community that results in the denial of child sexual abuse as a reality. Medical professionals can help children and families if they retain their unique roles in evaluating abused children and if become involved in advocacy on this issue and make the child's well-being the most important issue. 36 references