Like health care professionals, paraprofessionals are in a position of power in relation to clients and should not exploit them. Both men and women can be sexually exploited. The most common pattern involves a male helping professional and a female client, but sexual misconduct can occur between a professional and client of the same gender or between a female professional and a male client. Some people who have been sexually exploited and have problems may not realize that their distress is related to the experience. Others may not understand until many years have passed that they have been victimized and are reacting to the sexual exploitation.
Many victims blame themselves.
Others have difficulty accepting that the helping professional has harmed them because they have positive feelings or mixed feelings toward the professional. Although it is possible for a particular individual to be sexually involved with a helping professional and appear not to be harmed, negative reactions are common. However, even though the warning signs may seem evident afterwards, recognizing them as they are occurring can be difficult. Sexual misconduct by a psychotherapist, physician, other health care professional, or clergy member is never permissible. Even if the intimate behavior is perceived as initiated by the client, it is always the responsibility of the professional to maintain the boundaries and to ensure that sex does not enter the relationship.