Helene Byrne was just 20 years old when a doctor at a low-cost medical clinic in Boston, performing a routine pelvic exam, violated her sexually.

In April of this year, a Las Cruces, New Mexico, neurologist named Dr. Robert Woody was arrested for two separate incidents in which male patients accused him of sexually assaulting them during closed-door examinations.

Patients are most vulnerable when undergoing sedation, minor surgical procedures, and examinations of the sexual and reproductive system.

Dr. Bilil Ahmed, a dentist in Washington, D.C., was charged with first degree sexual assault early this year, after a male patient undergoing a routine tooth extraction woke up unexpectedly during sedation to find Ahmed forcing oral sex on him.

These, alas, are not uncommon cases.

Although a recent Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation found more than 2,400 cases of doctors who had sexually abused patients since 1999, that number is dwarfed by actual numbers, since many victims don’t report the crime. These are not isolated cases, according to Attorney Jeff Reiff of Reiff & Bily in Philadelphia.

“Sexual abuse by doctors is underreported because many people feel uncomfortable coming forward, as they feel they will be blamed or shamed,” Reiff said.

Patients tend to be most vulnerable when undergoing sedation, minor surgical procedures, and examinations of the sexual and reproductive system where the patient is already unclothed. But Reiff says not to ignore the routine office exam or blatant coercion either.

“In one case our firm handled, a prominent physician refused to administer proper medical care necessary to cure the critically ill patient without sexual favors performed by the patient,” Reiff said. “In another case, an individual with false medical credentials habitually engaged in a serial pattern of molesting and abusing dozens of female patients and threatened the patients if they reported the incidents.”

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Shame, self-blame, and guilt are common reactions to an event of sexual assault. So says Dr. Ben Rutt, a licensed psychologist in Silver Spring, Maryland, who works with patients who have been assaulted and abused.

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“The stigma associated with sexual abuse prevents many people from coming forward,” he said. “Following abuse, many people react by trying to get back to their daily lives — which means they do not tell anyone they were abused.”

Byrne, who now lives in Oakland, California, never divulged her assault to anyone except her mother, until she spoke to LifeZette. It occurred 25 years ago. She says the assault changed her life and she still feels the effects of it.

“I am still hyper-vigilant regarding my personal safety,” she said. “I always have radar scan going, watching for other types of attacks. Certainly, I never trust any man I don’t personally know. I never speak to, or make eye contact with, male strangers. I never put myself in any situation where I could be vulnerable to an attack.”

Half the doctors in the [Journal-Constitution’s] investigation are still working. Often they skip to another state to avoid fallout.

She also never goes to male doctors.

An obvious safety measure is to make sure never to be alone with a doctor or dentist, but Reiff warns that the presence of nurses or assistants may not help if they are fearful of losing their jobs or reputations. They may lie when questioned by authorities, or during the discovery stage of a civil lawsuit.

Reiff advises immediate reporting to the police and/or an attorney who specializes in sexual abuse.

“Many states have mandatory reporting laws — and such abuses are not typically taken lightly by investigating authorities and prosecutors. Any act of sexual misconduct by a physician can and should be the subject of a criminal complaint or civil lawsuit.”

The Journal-Constitution’s report found that half the doctors in their investigation are still operating as doctors, often skipping to another state to avoid fallout from a criminal charge. Many cases are hard to prove. Some state medical boards have a reputation for secrecy during investigations to protect the doctors or the profession in general.

[lz_bulleted_list title=”Preventing a Child’s Sexual Abuse by a Doctor” source=”http://www.cpso.on.ca”]A parent or trusted adult should always be present.|Teach your children boundaries.|Girls with gynecological problems should see a female physician.|Say ‘no’ if asked to leave room.|Educate yourself on possible procedures.|Understand that boys are also vulnerable.[/lz_bulleted_list]

Clearly, more attention is needed — by patients, by the medical profession, by the law. Parents should be aware as well.

Michael W. Davis, a dentist in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is adamant that children be with their parents at all times during any medical or dental treatment.

“Never — and I mean NEVER — allow your child to be alone in a treatment room in a medical or dental practice,” he told LifeZette. “There are just too many opportunities for abuses. Yes, the clinic staff will insist you not accompany your child, but research shows kids are calmed by their parents’ presence during exams. As an adult, you can also bring a trusted partner or friend into an exam room with you.”

Hospital operating rooms are different, since the staff is focused on creating an environment free of the possibility of infection; they also need to respond rapidly if there is a sedation crisis. Most modern hospitals are now providing video recordings as a deterrent. It’s a good decision to be informed about that possibility — and do request it if it is not routine.

Davis acknowledges that many people have limited provider options, especially if Medicaid is involved, but he encourages patients to find a better choice.

“If there’s any doubt, find another health care provider,” he said. “Insist on it!”

Byrne wants victims to know what to do ahead of time in case they are ever assaulted.

“Speak up immediately. At the time, I was really naive, and had no idea that anything like that could even happen. The word ‘molestation’ was not even in my vocabulary. I was totally shell-shocked, and very confused. Without a doubt, I knew what happened was wrong.”

Pat Barone, MCC is a professional credentialed coach and author of the Own Every Bite! bodycentric re-education program for mindful and intuitive eating, who helps clients heal food addictions.