By focusing first on the needs of children and their families, Melody of Hope ensures that important services and information are provided for you. Utilizing a team approach and a recorded interview improves the quality of the investigation and minimizes further trauma by reducing the number of times your child has to talk about their experiences. On-site medical providers allows your child to remain in a familiar, child-friendly environment.

The purpose of the exam is to collect evidence and document trauma if present (especially in acute cases). The exam is also used to assess for and treat sexually transmitted infections, injuries, pregnancy, and degree of emotional trauma. Most importantly, it is performed to reassure your child that their body is okay.

Medical Evaluations for sexual abuse allegations in Iowa are covered by the Iowa Crime Victim's Assistance Program. Medical Evaluations for physical abuse allegations are billed to insurance.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, you can contact our office at 563-200-1102 and our staff will be happy to reschedule your child's appointment. You can also contact the detective or caseworker who initially called to schedule the appointment.

The doctor will speak with you and share necessary results with you. If lab tests or x-rays are done, our physician will call you with the results. We can arrange for help with any needed treatment.

No, Melody of Hope Advocacy Center is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Melody of Hope accepts referrals from DHS and local law enforcement for forensic interviews and medical evaluations on children with allegations of abuse.

We want to respect the confidentiality of all families who are present for appointments so we ask that a supportive parent(s) or caregiver bring the child to their appointment. Alleged adult sexual offenders are never allowed on Melody of Hope premises.  During the exam portion of the medical evaluation, many children want a parent or supportive adult in the exam room with them for comfort and reassurance. Other children prefer to do the exam on their own. The parent, whenever possible, needs to respect the child’s preference in this regard.

No child will be forced to have a medical exam. All children will be offered one and an investigator may request a child to have an exam. It is normal for children to feel anxious about a medical examination. Melody of Hope's physician will take as much time as necessary to help your child throughout the medical evaluation by explaining each step of the check-up and finding ways to put your child at east. Much care is given to protect the modesty and rights of your child.

When allegations of abuse are made, law enforcement and child protective services have a mandate to look into these concerns. All sources of information are considered and reviewed to ensure the safety of your child. Team members will keep you informed about the status of the investigation. Melody of Hope staff, law enforcement and child protective services will be available to provide you with support and answer any questions you might have about the process.

Most children have no physical injuries to their genital or anal areas. This does not mean that sexual abuse has not occurred. It is possible that your child has been involved in sexual activity that has not injured their bodies in a way that leaves lasting physical signs. The medical evaluation is also used to assess for and treat sexually transmitted infections, and to identify if pregnancy is an issue. Most importantly, it is performed to reassure your child that their body is okay and can be important for your child's emotional health.

Your child should be made aware that they will be seen by a doctor who will complete a check-up that includes looking at everything on their body, from the top of their head to the bottom of their toes and everything in between. This check-up is important to ensure that they are healthy and it should not cause pain. There are no shots and no needles at our facility.

All medical evaluations are part of an official investigative process and are scheduled thru law enforcement or child protective services. Rarely the Medical Director may identify a situation where law enforcement and child protective services are not involved but an exam is warranted. If you suspect your child is being abused, please call the Iowa Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178.

Keep calm. Your child may sense the emotional stress and anger you may be feeling about what has happened to them. This may cause a child to feel responsible for upsetting you and may cause them to wish they had never disclosed.

Use comforting statements such as “I’m proud of you for telling” or “What happened to you wasn’t your fault”.

Listen to your child if they feel like talking, but do not let your desire to make sense of what has happened lead you into asking probing questions about details of the abuse. Sometimes if a child feels uncomfortable they won’t give details and may even say they “don’t remember” the incident.

Do not make any promises about what will happen to the offender or promise that the child will never have to see the offender again. It may not be true (e.g. court proceedings). Your child needs to trust your word. It is better to tell a child that you don’t know the answer to a question.

Your child needs to know that you believe them and will support them .  Children who have someone supporting them suffer fewer or long term effects than do children without help.  Your role as a parent is to support your child in recovery by providing reassurance, safety, and love.  Children need reassurance that they didn’t cause your anger, upset, and sadness.  Some children’s belief that they are the cause of everything may make this difficult for them to understand.

Additional things to say:

I believe you.

I’m sorry this happened to you.

I’m glad I know.

You will be taken care of.

I’m not sure what will happen next.

This has happened to other children: your age, younger and older, boys and girls.

Nothing about you made it happen.

I will do my best to protect you, now that I know.

You don’t need to take care of me.

I know it wasn’t your fault.

We will all get through this, just like we recover from illness or an accident, but it may take a long time.

I am upset, but not with you.

I’m angry with the person who did this

I’m sad. You may see me cry. That’s all right.

I will be able to take care of you.

I’m not mad at you.

Melody of Hope's child and family advocate will provide referral information for a therapist specifically trained and experienced in trauma and abuse. Counseling can help you, your child and your family through this very difficult time. 

If you suspect a child is being abused, please call the Iowa Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-362-2178.