Sexual Abuse By Doctors

Understanding the Seriousness of Physician Sex Abuse

Physician sexual abuse occurs when health care professionals violate patient trust and cross boundaries. It includes any form of non-consensual sexual activity during patient care, such as inappropriate touching, sexual advances, or rape.

Sexual abuse by doctors and other providers is not only unethical but also a criminal act in most circumstances. It’s particularly devastating due to the breach of trust, power imbalance, and patient vulnerability.

Our team at the Victim Advocacy Center believes that medical professionals should be held accountable when they use their positions of power to harm patients. If you or a loved one has been hurt, we’re here to help.

What Is Sexual Abuse by a Doctor?

Sexual abuse by a doctor involves the exploitation of power, trust, and authority to engage in inappropriate sexual conduct with a patient.

Sex abuse by a doctor can occur during:

• Consultations
• Medical examinations
• Procedures

Unlike typical sexual assault, physician sexual misconduct occurs when the patient is vulnerable, often undressed, and may feel compelled to follow the doctor’s instructions.

Doctors have a duty to uphold medical ethics and maintain professional boundaries. When they violate these standards, they abuse their position of power, leaving victims traumatized, ashamed, and often afraid to speak up.

Cases Involving Sexual Abuse by a Doctor

Patients across the country have been sexually abused by doctors and other health care providers they trusted for care. Some of the most notorious doctors have abused hundreds, making national headlines.

These medical professionals include:

• Damien Knighton
• Dr. Darius Paduch
• Dr. David Newman
• Dr. Derrick Todd
• Dr. Fabio Ortega
• Dr. Ricardo Cruciani
• Dr. Richard Kauff
• Dr. Reginald Archibald
• Dr. Robert Hadden

Survivors of doctor sexual abuse deserve justice and support. If you or a loved one has been harmed, help is available to hold abusers accountable and begin healing.

Settlements & Verdicts for Doctor Sexual Abuse

Many survivors of sexual abuse by doctors have secured major settlements and jury verdicts that reflect the seriousness of these violations. In some cases, results have reached tens of millions of dollars, especially when hospitals or institutions failed to stop repeated misconduct.

Notable settlements and verdicts for sex abuse by a doctor include:

• Dr. Robert Hadden: In 2023, Columbia University and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital agreed to pay $236 million to resolve claims that they enabled this gynecologist’s abuse of hundreds of patients.
• Dr. Larry Nassar: The former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor abused hundreds of young athletes under the guise of medical treatment. Survivors won record-breaking settlements, including $500 million from the university, $380 million from USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee, and $138.7 million from the U.S. Department of Justice for the FBI’s failure to act, bringing the total to over $1 billion.
• Dr. Reginald Archibald: In 2023, the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club paid $22 million to settle roughly 140 sexual abuse claims of sexual abuse that occurred during physical examinations.

The amount of compensation for sexual abuse by doctors often depends on the severity of the abuse and the long-term harm. Money can cover therapy, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.

Call (877) 684-0487 right now to see if we may be able to help you seek a settlement for sexual abuse by a doctor.

Working With a Doctor Sexual Abuse Lawyer​

Coming forward about sexual abuse can be incredibly difficult, especially when the abuser was a trusted medical professional. Patients rely on doctors for care and healing, which makes this type of betrayal especially harmful.

The Victim Advocacy Center team is here to stand beside you. Our legal partners can guide you through the process with compassion and respect.

If you’re eligible, the sexual abuse lawyers in our network can:

1. Provide a free case review so you understand your rights and legal options
2. Collect evidence like medical records, witness testimony, and institutional reports
3. File a sexual assault lawsuit against the doctor and any hospitals or health systems that enabled the abuse
4. Fight for a settlement or represent you in court if necessary, seeking compensation for medical care, counseling, lost wages, and other recovery-related costs

Our mission is to make the legal process as supportive and stress-free as possible, so you can begin to move forward in life with confidence.

Who Are the Perpetrators?

Doctors who commit sexual abuse do not fit a single profile, but there are common characteristics and behaviors that they may exhibit. Understanding these can help you recognize red flags and prevent future abuse.

Profile of Abusive Doctors

Doctors who engage in sexual misconduct often present themselves as charming, well-respected, and highly skilled professionals.

Their strong reputations may cause patients to trust them implicitly, even when uncomfortable situations occurs. This dynamic enables doctors to continue their behavior unchecked.

Manipulation and Control Tactics

Abusive doctors may use manipulation and coercion to make patients feel powerless. This can include the use of medical jargon to confuse the patient, gaslighting them into believing that the behavior is “normal” or part of the treatment process.

Patients often feel they must comply to avoid being labeled “difficult” or losing access to necessary health care.

How Institutions Enable Abuse

Hospitals and medical facilities may attempt to protect their reputations by concealing reports of sexual abuse by doctors. This practice, known as an institutional cover-up, allows perpetrators to continue their misconduct without any consequences.

“Hospitals, clinics and fellow doctors fail to report sexual misconduct to regulators, despite laws in most states requiring them to do so.”
– Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Doctors & Sex Abuse” investigation

Institutions may also pressure victims to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) in exchange for financial settlements, further silencing victims.

How Sex Abuse by a Doctor Impacts Victims

Survivors of sexual abuse by doctors often suffer long-term consequences affecting their mental health and overall well-being.

The unique power imbalance between doctor and patient can deepen this trauma, leading to lasting mistrust in health care providers.

1. Emotional and Psychological Impact

Sexual abuse by doctors can lead to significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Survivors often experience flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional numbness, making it difficult to maintain normal daily activities.

The violation of trust caused by sexual abuse may also result in a fear of seeking future medical treatment.

2. Career and Lifestyle Changes

The effects of trauma often extend beyond personal health. Victims may face difficulties maintaining employment due to anxiety or PTSD. This disruption can affect their financial stability and long-term career goals.

Counseling and support groups can play a vital role in helping survivors of sexual abuse by doctors rebuild their personal and professional lives.

3. Strained Relationships

Sex abuse by a doctor can lead to problems with intimacy and relationships. Survivors may struggle to trust others, affecting their ability to form healthy, meaningful connections.

Loved ones may also face challenges in understanding the impact of the abuse, further isolating the victim.

“I understand now that he was just using me for sex and taking advantage of me, even though he told me he was doing it for my own good and to raise my self-esteem. I doubt that I will ever get over what he did to me.”
– Thelma B., survivor of sexual abuse by a doctor

Legal Rights for Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Doctors

Sexual abuse by doctors is a felony in most states and can lead to prison time, loss of a medical license, and heavy fines. Survivors may also pursue civil lawsuits against abusive doctors for compensation and accountability.

• Criminal cases punish the abuser with jail, fines, and license revocation.
• Civil lawsuits allow survivors to seek compensation and hold hospitals or clinics accountable for enabling abuse.

Each state has its own statutes of limitations, or filing deadlines, that affect how long survivors have to file. However, many have extended or removed time limits for sexual abuse cases.

Some states also offer special lookback windows, giving victims of sexual abuse another chance to take legal action.

Get a free case review now to see if we can help you pursue justice and accountability for sexual abuse by a doctor.

What to Do If a Doctor Touches You Inappropriately

If a doctor behaves in a way that feels sexual, invasive, or otherwise inappropriate, it is important to know you have options. Taking action can help protect you and prevent future harm to others.

If you’ve been harmed, you can:

• File a complaint with the state medical board to trigger an investigation and possible disciplinary action.
• Contact the police to make a formal report if you believe a crime occurred. Sexual abuse by a doctor is often a felony.
• Speak with an attorney to understand your legal rights and explore filing a civil lawsuit for compensation and accountability.

You do not have to face this alone. Support is available, and taking these steps can help ensure the doctor — and any institution that enabled them — is held responsible.

How to Protect Yourself from Abuse by a Doctor

While patients should never have to take steps to “protect themselves” from those entrusted with their care, there are ways to stay safe in medical settings.

Here are some ways to reduce the risk of sexual abuse by doctors:

• Bring a trusted friend or family member to medical appointments.
• Ask questions if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about a procedure.
• Request a nurse or chaperone to be present during exams.

Trust your instincts. If something feels “off,” you have the right to leave or request a different doctor.

Support for Survivors of Sexual Abuse by Doctors

Doctors are entrusted to care for their patients, not harm them — and when they break that trust, they are not above the law.

If you’re a survivor of sexual abuse by a doctor, help is available. The Victim Advocacy Center is here to listen and connect you with experienced attorneys who can fight for justice on your behalf.

Contact us right now for a free, no-obligation case review and take the first step toward justice and healing.