When you go to a doctor, you trust that this professional will look into your concerns and help you get better. But, this position of trust is often misused by doctors to take advantage of their patients, especially those who are more vulnerable in society. Patients might not recognize or even be aware that they have been sexually exploited.
It is important that people know about sexual abuse by doctors, how to spot sexual abuse, and how to report inappropriate conduct by a doctor.
Understanding Medical Boundaries
It is understood that medical examinations require physical contact for the doctor to conduct a thorough and accurate examination to prescribe the necessary treatment. Doctors often tend to clearly explain and justify the procedure and its necessity to their patients so the patient can understand and consent to it. Suppose a patient was to not give consent or was to ask for a different doctor to conduct the examination or have another person with them during the process; the doctor is required to comply with the patient’s request.
Signs of Inappropriate Behavior
Let’s take a look at some signs of inappropriate behavior that can be considered sexual abuse:
- Unnecessary Examinations: Doctors are not supposed to be conducting procedures or examinations which may be unnecessary.
- Unnecessary Undressing: Doctors are not supposed to ask patients to undress for procedures that do not require undressing.
- Not Using Gloves: Doctors are required to use gloves when touching intimate parts of the patient.
- Disrespecting Right to Privacy: Doctors are supposed to respect the patient’s request to have a nurse or an individual they trust in the room during examination.
- Engaging in Voyeurism: Install video cameras in rooms that need privacy, such as exam rooms or bathrooms.
- Drug-Based Coercion: Manipulating or forcing patients to perform sexual favors in exchange for addictive drugs.
- Sexually Suggestive Behavior: Making sexually suggestive expressions, comments, or gestures.
What to Do if You Have Been Sexually Abused by a Doctor
Being sexually abused by a doctor can be traumatizing, but taking the right steps to report the incidents can ensure that justice is served. Here is what can be done:
Report to the Hospital Authorities
The first thing that needs to be done after being sexually abused by a doctor is to report the incident to the institution where the doctor works. This can be done via the institution’s reporting procedure; if the doctor has a private practice, the complaint can go to the state medical board.
When reporting the doctor, attach the necessary documents to support your report. Also, keep a record of your report.
Report to the Law Enforcement
Sexual abuse is a crime; if a doctor was to abuse a patient sexually, the patient has the right to file criminal charges against the doctor. Though many hesitate to file a case, it is beneficial to do so as it can take off a lot of the pressure one might feel. Victims can collect necessary documents to provide evidence of the abuse and have the police deal with the issue with regard to the laws.
A police report can be important for your next move and encourage others to come forward.
File a Sexual Abuse Lawsuit
Many times, even after reporting the incident to certain bodies of authority, victims notice that the doctor who abused them has not been punished. This often pushes victims to lose faith in such entities and avoid filing a report as it just leads to social ostracization. However, by filing a sexual abuse lawsuit, victims have a better chance of ensuring that justice is served.
Victims can file a sexual abuse lawsuit against doctors to get financial compensation for the harm they faced, as well as have the doctor take accountability for their actions.
