We understand that coming to terms with sexual assault is incredibly difficult, especially when the abuser was someone you trusted. The sense of betrayal, confusion, and shame can be overwhelming. It’s important to remember that what happened was not your fault, and you deserve support and justice.
It’s a hard truth to accept, but sexual assault can occur even in the places we consider safe. When the perpetrator is a trusted professional like a therapist, doctor, or other professional, the violation cuts even deeper. If you’ve experienced this kind of abuse, know that you’re not alone and there are steps you can take to protect yourself and seek justice.
The experienced sexual assault attorneys at Betts Law Group understand the courage it takes to come forward after such a betrayal. Our attorneys have years of experience advocating for survivors of sexual abuse, and we’re committed to providing compassionate legal representation to get you the justice you deserve.
Understanding Grooming and Its Impact
Grooming is a manipulative process abusers use to gain trust and exploit vulnerabilities in a person.
In a professional setting, it can be especially insidious because it often intertwines with the guidance or medical care you’re seeking.
Signs of grooming by a doctor, therapist, or other professional may include:
- Special attention or favors: The professional may make you feel like you’re their favorite patient or offer gifts and special privileges.
- Boundary violations: They might share personal information, initiate contact outside of appointments, or engage in inappropriate physical touch.
- Isolating you from support systems: They may discourage you from talking to friends, family, or other professionals about your relationship.
- Normalizing inappropriate behavior: They might make excuses for their actions, suggest that their behavior is acceptable, or make you question your own perceptions of how they are treating you.
The Lasting Effects of Grooming From a Doctor, Therapist, or Other Professional in California
Being groomed into sexual assault can leave lasting psychological and emotional scars, especially if it is done by a professional that you trust. Survivors often experience:
- Shame, guilt, and self-blame: You may feel responsible for what happened, even though the abuser is the only one at fault.
- Difficulty trusting others: The violation of trust can make it hard to form healthy relationships.
- Anxiety, depression, and PTSD: The trauma of the abuse can lead to mental health challenges.
It’s important to remember that these feelings are a normal response to an abnormal situation, and healing is possible with time and support.
What to Do if You’ve Been Sexually Abused by a Professional in California
If you’ve been groomed and sexually abused by a therapist, doctor, or other professional in California, it’s essential to prioritize your safety and well-being. Here are some steps you can take:
- Document everything: Keep records of appointments, any communication (emails, texts, etc.), and detailed notes about what happened. This documentation is important if you decide to take legal action against your abuser.
- Report the abuse: You can report the abuse to the professional’s licensing board (e.g., the Medical Board of California for doctors, the Board of Behavioral Sciences for therapists) and/or to law enforcement.
- Seek professional support: A therapist specializing in trauma and abuse can provide you with the tools and support you need to heal. Support groups can also be a valuable resource to process your experience.
- Consult with an attorney: An experienced sexual abuse attorney can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of seeking justice.
What California Laws Protect Patients and Clients?
California has specific laws in place to protect patients and clients from sexual exploitation by healthcare providers and therapists. These laws recognize the inherent power imbalance in these relationships and the vulnerability of individuals seeking care.
For example, Civil Code Section 43.93 allows survivors of sexual exploitation by a psychotherapist to sue for damages, including emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of earnings. Business and Professions Code Section 726 makes it a crime for a physician to engage in sexual misconduct with a patient. Civil Code Section 51.9 allows survivors of sexual harassment in relationships such as client and doctor, lawyer, dentist, real estate agents, or therapists where a power imbalance exists due to the professional relationship involved.
These laws provide a legal way to hold abusers accountable and obtain compensation and justice for survivors. Our experienced team of lawyers can help you understand how these laws apply to your situation and guide you through the legal process.
Contact The California Sexual Abuse Attorneys at Betts Law Group
The compassionate attorneys at Betts Law Group are committed to supporting survivors of sexual abuse. We offer confidential consultations to discuss your case and help you understand your legal options. Contact us today to take the first step towards healing and justice.