Sexual abuse by therapists is rarely reported by victims. In 1996, the AQPV drew therapists’ attention to this issue at its symposium De l’impuissance vers l’autonomie (From powerlessness to autonomy). Recommendations were made, including the following two:
- Encourage professional associations to set up a help, accompaniment and support service for complainants.
- Inform the public about therapeutic limits, what is acceptable and what is not. To this end, distribute brochures on therapies, their components, advantages and disadvantages.
Some 10 years later, we have to admit that we still have a long way to go. The public still needs to be informed about this issue, and therapists of all professions still need to be trained and made more aware.
Contacts initiated by victims have also enabled the AQPV to observe that their paths are strewn with obstacles when it comes to making themselves heard and obtaining help and support. This is particularly the case when victims seek recourse from professional associations, criminal or civil courts, or the criminal injuries compensation scheme. Yet we all know the psychological after-effects of sexual abuse committed in the course of professional activities. Whether it’s denouncing the abuse by filing a complaint, receiving information or accessing resources, victims of sexual abuse committed by therapists are still “forgotten” victims.
This dossier presents an overview of the many facets of this issue, including..:
- the specific consequences of this type of abuse;
- rehabilitative and preventive aspects;
- the state of civil and criminal law in this area;
- the organization of Quebec’s professional system;
- media coverage of sexual misconduct;
- assessment and treatment strategies.