This vulnerability gives physicians the power to exact sexual compliance. Knives and guns and physical force are not necessary. Pg 10, Final Report. According to the report there is serious and considerable harm done to those who have been sexually exploited by physicians. The damage can be physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Many patients develop a fear and mistrust of doctors.
The suffering caused by the abuse is not limited to patients themselves. Pg 12, Preliminary Report. The Task Force also believes, based on reports they received and the research available, that physicians who abuse are often serial abusers. Which means that many of the patients of an offending physician are at risk, even if only one patient has been able and courageous enough to complain. Breach of trust and taking advantage of those vulnerabilities for personal gain is a serious violation of the client, and undoubtedly brings about significant harm.