A Look Into The Murky World Of Medical Sexual Abuse

A hospital attendant is clothed with the responsibility of ensuring a smooth session of diagnosis and treatments for patients. However, in the USA, particularly in this modern era, it has become extremely easy for hospital wardens and medical experts to exploit the pitiable condition of patients in the hospital. 

Employed as caregivers, some of these medical professionals betray the confidence their patients have in them and go as far as forcing themselves into the latter. And the more the government attempts to eliminate this murky aspect of a hospital setting, it appears as though sexual abuse during a medical examination has come to stay. 

This article is geared towards having a better understanding of how sexual abuse occurs in the hospital environment, and how victims can protect themselves in the event of a sexual assault by a medical professional.

Sexual Assaults and Abuse in Hospitals 

In the 1970s, the term “medical sexual assault” emerged in the United States to spotlight a horrifying reality: medical professionals exploiting their patients’ vulnerability for sexual gratification. 

Simply put, it’s a betrayal of trust, a despicable act where those entrusted with our health use their power to take advantage of us during our most vulnerable moments.

This vulnerability can take many forms. Patients may be unconscious after an accident, unable to defend themselves. Others might be sedated, with or without their consent, leaving them defenseless. In some cases, doctors or medical staff may even resort to force to carry out these heinous acts.

Such actions create a deeply unsettling and dangerous environment where patients are at the mercy of those meant to heal them.

And while the effects of medical sexual abuse first point towards the aspect of physical harm, we shouldn’t forget it also bears much more than that. These include:

• Psychological trauma 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Anxiety
• Depression

What Victims of Medical Sexual Assault Can Do

As a victim of medical sexual assault, here is a roadmap for you to follow: 

Seek Immediate Medical Attention (If Needed)

If you’ve been hurt or need medical attention, don’t hesitate to get help right away. Even if you’re not ready to make any decisions about what to do legally, your physical well-being should always come first. 

If you can, go to the hospital or see your regular doctor, just to make sure everything is okay. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can request a sexual assault exam (sometimes called a forensic exam) at the hospital. 

You don’t have to report the assault to the police right away if you’re not ready, but this exam can help preserve important evidence if you decide to take legal action later on. 

Preserve Evidence  

It can feel really hard, and maybe even impossible, but holding onto evidence can be crucial if you decide to move forward with a legal case. This could be something as simple as keeping the clothes you were wearing at the time, taking photos of any injuries, or saving any medical records. 

If you’ve been to the doctor or hospital, hang on to any paperwork that might be useful, like appointment notes or communication with the medical professionals involved. 

Report the Incident  

When you’re ready, you can take the bold step of reporting what happened to the authorities. You might want to start by talking to someone at the hospital or doctor’s office where the assault took place. You can ask to file a formal complaint with them, or you might decide to contact the police. 

Consider Speaking to an Attorney

The thought of talking to a lawyer might be the last thing you want to think about right now, and that’s totally okay. However, speaking with an attorney who specializes in sexual assault or medical malpractice can really help you understand your options and rights. 

They can break down the legal process in a way that makes sense and help you decide if you want to pursue action against the person who harmed you.  

Take Your Time

There is no right timeline when it comes to healing or deciding what actions to take. Whether you choose to report what happened immediately, wait a few months, or even decide not to take legal action at all, that’s completely up to you. 

Everyone’s journey is different, and there’s no one way to go about it. What matters most is that you take care of yourself emotionally, physically, and mentally.