Sexual abuse is a deeply traumatic experience, especially when perpetrated in a medical setting where there are trusted professionals. According to a survey carried out, 9% of doctors have ever engaged in sexual conduct with at least one patient. Another study, which was done back in 2017, showed that doctors over 39 years who are not certified are more likely to sexually abuse patients.
In such cases, the consequences of sexual abuse can be very devastating. This is because all patients entrust their physical and emotional well-being to medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, therapists, and other caregivers, often when they are extremely vulnerable.
When this trust is violated, the aftermath effects are not only deeply personal to the patient but also have lasting legal and professional consequences. Most law firms are committed to advocating for survivors of this kind of abuse by holding the perpetrators accountable. Know more about doctor sexual abuse lawsuits at File Abuse Lawsuit and the consequences of being a victim by reading this article.
Emotional & Psychological Trauma of Sexual Abuse
All victims of sexual abuse often suffer long-lasting psychological trauma in one way or another. Unlike other types of abuse, when a violation takes place in a setting where it should be a safe and healing environment, the betrayal can lead to some serious mental health issues, such as:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Most survivors of sexual abuse in medical settings relive the abuse through constant flashbacks or nightmares, which makes them experience extreme levels of anxiety. They are more likely to develop avoidance behavior towards medical care.
Depression
Sexual abuse causes one to live with feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame. This can spiral into a long-lasting state of depression because of the trust lost in medical or healthcare providers.
Disrupting Daily Life
The lack of trust in healthcare providers can also lead to delaying or avoiding necessary medical treatment, which can be devastating for individuals who need such care. Also, the emotional stress can be overwhelming to personal relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life.
Note that the psychological effects of being sexually abused by a medical officer can require long-term therapy and treatment, adding financial burdens to emotional scars.
Legal & Professional Consequences
Any survivor of sexual abuse has the legal right enshrined in the constitution to seek justice through both a civil and criminal court. This includes the following:
Filing Civil Lawsuits
Victims are entitled to sue the medical professional who abused them. In some cases, they can even sue the entire medical institution for not being able to prevent the abuse. In such lawsuits, victims can be compensated for their medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and any pain and suffering experienced as a result of the abuse.
Criminal Lawsuits
The medical professionals who perpetrated the sexual abuse will face criminal prosecution. This can result in serving time in jail, being fined heavily, and having a permanent criminal record as a sex offender. The punishment faced depends on how severe the charges are.
Professional Accountability
The medical officer found guilty will face disciplinary consequences from licensing boards, such as revocation of their practice licenses. This includes the medical institutions that fail to prevent sex abusers from preying on patients.
Conclusion
Victims can sometimes feel intimidated by the legal process, especially when the perpetrator is a powerful medical officer working in a powerful medical institution. However, there are compassionate and experienced legal teams that understand the sensitivity of sexual abuse cases and can work discreetly and diligently to protect the rights and dignity of victims. Sexual abuse, especially by a medical professional, is a big violation of trust with far-reaching consequences and no one should go through it alone.
