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Acts of Misconduct

Under the guise of healthcare examinations, healthcare practitioners may attempt to sexually exploit patients. Below are some of the tell tale signs that can lead to acts of sexual misconduct.

Dermatology Consultation

Being aware of potential acts of sexual misconduct can protect you or your family members when accessing healthcare services. Reporting incidents like these and making formal complaints may also protect others from harm. 
 

  • Deliberately watch a patient dress or undress or help a patient undress, unless the patient is incapable of doing so

  • Fail to provide draping or gowns

  • Subject a patient to an intimate examination in the presence of others without the patient’s informed consent

  • Make sexual comments about a patient’s body or underclothing; sexualised or sexually demeaning comments; or comments
    about potential sexual performance during an exam

  • Use the practitioner-patient relationship to solicit a date or romantic relationship

  • Initiate conversations regarding sexual problems, preferences or fantasies

  • Perform an intimate exam or consultation without clinical justification

  • Perform an intimate exam or consultation without explaining to
    the patient the need for it

  • Conduct an intimate exam in an unusual manner, such as conducting a breast exam from behind the patient; leaving both breasts exposed; or ordering the patient to assume positions to expose the patient’s genital or rectal areas, without clinical justification

  • Request details of sexual history or sexual likes or dislikes when not clinically indicated for the type of exam or consultation

  • Make genital to genital contact, mouth to genital contact, mouth to anal contact or genital to anal contact

  • Rub or press their own groin or genitals against a patient

  • Kiss a patient in a romantic or sexual manner

  • Touch breasts, genitals or any sexualised body part for any purpose other than appropriate exam or treatment or when patient has refused or withdrawn consent

  • Encourage the patient to masturbate in the presence of the practitioner

  • Expose their own genitals to a patient

  • Offer to provide drugs or other practice-related services in exchange for sexual favours

  • Have sexual relationships with a patient or their immediate family member while providing care

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