When there is sexual abuse in the psychotherapist-patient relationship, that patient suffers. This situation is caused by a professional with low ethical standards. The patient who suffers emotional abuse by a psychotherapist can take legal action.
Over four percent of therapists confess to engaging in sexual contact with the client. The accused is male in the preponderance of cases. Eight-eight to ninety-two percent of the victims are women. Many are not of legal age.
This sexual abuse has a disturbing effect on someone who is already emotionally unstable. Fourteen percent try to kill themselves. One percent is successful at it. Over ten percent have to spend time in the hospital.
When a patient comes to a therapist with one disorder, sexual contact can initiate others. Clinical depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety are common. It is courageous to report the abuse. The person who does so shows great strength of character.
Any sexual contact between the psychotherapist and patient is unethical. It is considered to be malpractice in all locations. In some states it is considered criminal conduct and can be prosecuted in a court of law.
There are three possible courses of action. The patient may file a civil lawsuit. She may file a criminal complaint in some states. As an alternative to legal action, she may complain to the state licensing board in her state of residence.
A civil court can award money for damages. Punitive damages may be added to punish the offender. The best way for the victim to proceed is to engage the services of an attorney. An attorney can give legal advice plus represent her in court as the case proceeds. The laws in each state may vary.
In court it becomes a matter of who said what. A defense attorney may use the tactic of calling the patient a liar and pointing out the fact that she is unstable. When a psychotherapist faces a similar charge multiple times he loses his credibility. A jury will not view him the same way if there have been previous incidents.
Numerous incidents of this nature are not likely to speak well for him. It does not indicate innocence when more than one person claims abuse. Ethics in this area have not been viewed seriously in the past. In fact, one prominent female psychiatrist resigned from The American Psychiatric Association due to its lack of concern regarding complaints brought by patients.
Some individuals consider themselves to be above the law. They show no restraint when it comes to having sexual relations with a patient. Some even say it is beneficial to the patient. They also may consider it unethical to report another therapist for doing the same thing.
Such attitudes are in direct contrast to what most people would consider ethical behavior. Some of these professionals sit on committees of prominent organizations, are administrators of psychiatric institutions and are professors at major universities. Rehabilitation programs for those who are accused do not seem to have much effect on the perpetrators.
The recidivism rate remains high. These professionals are repeat offenders as often as sex offenders from other segments of the population. Taking away their license to practice seems to be the only thing that will bring about significant change.
Over four percent of therapists confess to engaging in sexual contact with the client. The accused is male in the preponderance of cases. Eight-eight to ninety-two percent of the victims are women. Many are not of legal age.
This sexual abuse has a disturbing effect on someone who is already emotionally unstable. Fourteen percent try to kill themselves. One percent is successful at it. Over ten percent have to spend time in the hospital.
When a patient comes to a therapist with one disorder, sexual contact can initiate others. Clinical depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety are common. It is courageous to report the abuse. The person who does so shows great strength of character.
Any sexual contact between the psychotherapist and patient is unethical. It is considered to be malpractice in all locations. In some states it is considered criminal conduct and can be prosecuted in a court of law.
There are three possible courses of action. The patient may file a civil lawsuit. She may file a criminal complaint in some states. As an alternative to legal action, she may complain to the state licensing board in her state of residence.
A civil court can award money for damages. Punitive damages may be added to punish the offender. The best way for the victim to proceed is to engage the services of an attorney. An attorney can give legal advice plus represent her in court as the case proceeds. The laws in each state may vary.
In court it becomes a matter of who said what. A defense attorney may use the tactic of calling the patient a liar and pointing out the fact that she is unstable. When a psychotherapist faces a similar charge multiple times he loses his credibility. A jury will not view him the same way if there have been previous incidents.
Numerous incidents of this nature are not likely to speak well for him. It does not indicate innocence when more than one person claims abuse. Ethics in this area have not been viewed seriously in the past. In fact, one prominent female psychiatrist resigned from The American Psychiatric Association due to its lack of concern regarding complaints brought by patients.
Some individuals consider themselves to be above the law. They show no restraint when it comes to having sexual relations with a patient. Some even say it is beneficial to the patient. They also may consider it unethical to report another therapist for doing the same thing.
Such attitudes are in direct contrast to what most people would consider ethical behavior. Some of these professionals sit on committees of prominent organizations, are administrators of psychiatric institutions and are professors at major universities. Rehabilitation programs for those who are accused do not seem to have much effect on the perpetrators.
The recidivism rate remains high. These professionals are repeat offenders as often as sex offenders from other segments of the population. Taking away their license to practice seems to be the only thing that will bring about significant change.
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