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Sexual harassment and abuse in therapist-patient relationships are fundamentally different from other forms of sexual abuse because the patient believes they are in professional hands and a safe environment. The therapeutic relationship relies heavily on the trust placed in the therapist, which imposes specific obligations related to this inherent trust.

The healthcare system in general, and the Ministry of Health in particular, must prioritize the well-being of patients. The current situation, which relies on criminal thresholds and the silence of the establishment under the pretext of waiting for a verdict, reflects a conservative stance that prioritizes power centers over the well-being of victims. When balancing the presumption of innocence protecting the accused therapist’s right to practice against safeguarding public safety, health, and lives, the system tends to favor its employees over its patients.

This position paper proposes guidelines for changing the healthcare system’s approach to better address sexual abuse occurring in therapist-patient relationships. It is understood that the traumatic event itself harms health, and when there is no restoration and healing of trust, the health damage can be long-term and may even lead to secondary health issues.